Tiger Woods is stepping away from golf for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on his health after pleading not guilty to DUI charges linked to a rollover crash in Florida last week. Woods said he understands the seriousness of the situation and wants to prioritise his well-being and work toward lasting recovery.
The 15-time major champion, widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of his generation, faced arrest Friday afternoon after his Land Rover rolled over on a two-lane road near his Jupiter Island home. No one was injured in the crash, and authorities released Woods on bail later that night.
Court documents filed Tuesday show that Woods entered a not guilty plea to DUI charges and requested a jury trial. He is due back in court on May 5, although the records indicate he does not need to appear in person before trial.
Tiger Woods Crash Report After Florida rollover
According to a probable-cause affidavit cited in the report, Woods told authorities he was looking down at his phone and did not realise the truck ahead of him had slowed down. The affidavit also said officers found two hydrocodone pills in his pocket and observed that he appeared lethargic, slow, sweaty, and bloodshot-eyed, with extremely dilated pupils.
Tiger Woods getting cuffed on DUI charge after slamming into truck & refusing urine test
His 3rd crash, these are his previous & today's mugshot https://t.co/hMNcIXrECV pic.twitter.com/66mf2KfKQ2
— RT (@RT_com) March 28, 2026When officers asked whether he had taken prescription medication, Woods reportedly replied, “I take a few,” adding that he had done so earlier that morning. His manager did not immediately comment on the affidavit’s details.
A Martin County sheriff’s deputy wrote that Woods said he had been looking at his cell phone and changing the radio station before the March 27 collision. The deputy also reported that Woods appeared to limp and stumble and told officers he had undergone seven back surgeries and more than 20 operations on his leg.
The report added that Woods was extremely alert and talkative and had hiccups throughout the investigation. After field sobriety tests, a deputy said he believed Woods’ normal faculties were impaired and that he could not safely operate the vehicle.
Woods had only recently returned to competitive golf after missing the cut at the British Open in July 2024. Last week, he played in the TGL Finals, an indoor golf league that combines simulated play with real chipping and putting and requires far less walking than traditional golf.
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After that event, Woods said he was trying to get his body ready for the April 9-12 Masters at Augusta National. However, after his announcement Tuesday, Augusta National confirmed the five-time Masters champion will not attend at all next week, including the Champions Dinner.
