Tiger Woods Seeks Treatment Following Not Guilty Plea in Florida DUI Case

Tiger Woods announced he is stepping away from golf to seek treatment four days after a misdemeanor DUI charge involving a rollover crash in Jupiter, Florida.

Tiger Woods, 50, announced Tuesday he is stepping away from golf to seek treatment and focus on his health following a misdemeanor DUI charge with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. The legal proceedings stem from a rollover crash last Friday near his home in Jupiter, Florida, where Woods entered a not guilty plea through attorney Douglas Duncan on Tuesday. The golfer, who last played four full rounds at the 2024 Masters, waived his April 23 arraignment and requested a jury trial in Martin County. This decision comes four days after his Range Rover SUV clipped a trailer, swerved, and flipped on its side while traveling in a 45 mph zone.

According to the arrest affidavit filed by Martin County Sheriff’s deputy Tatiana Levenar, Woods was found sweating profusely with lethargic and slow movements. While a breath test administered by Sheriff John Budensiek showed no signs of alcohol, Woods refused to undergo a urinalysis or blood test. During the investigation, a deputy discovered two hydrocodone pills in the golfer's left pants pocket. Woods informed authorities he had taken "a few" prescription pills earlier that morning, though the specific names of the medications were redacted in the official report.

Details of the Martin County Arrest Affidavit

Deputy Levenar noted that Woods’ eyes appeared bloodshot and glassy with extremely dilated pupils once he removed his sunglasses. The affidavit states that Woods attributed the collision to a distraction, claiming he was looking at his cellphone and changing the radio station, which prevented him from seeing a truck hauling a trailer as it slowed down. After being helped out of the passenger window by the truck driver and an unidentified bystander, Woods attempted field sobriety exercises. Levenar observed the athlete limping and stumbling to the right during these tasks.

Woods cited his extensive medical history as a factor in his physical performance, noting he has undergone seven back surgeries and over 20 operations on his right leg. He specifically told the deputy that his ankle seizes while walking. Due to these conditions, the investigation was completed while Woods sat on the bumper of a patrol cruiser. Following his arrest, the golfer was taken to the Cleveland Clinic Martin South ER, where he refused all medical treatment before being transported to the Martin County Jail. He was released Friday night on a $1,000 bond.

Career Impact and Recent Performance Stats

On the course, Woods has faced significant competitive hurdles since his February 2021 accident outside Los Angeles. In that previous incident, his vehicle traveled between 84 and 87 mph before rolling several times, resulting in open fractures to his lower right leg that required the insertion of a rod, screws, and pins. Most recently, Woods missed the cut at the July 2024 Open Championship, which stands as his last appearance on the PGA Tour. Just three days prior to the Jupiter crash, he competed in the TGL finals for his Jupiter Links team.

While Woods had expressed hope regarding a return to the Masters next week, he acknowledged that his ongoing back injuries might prevent him from competing. The PGA Tour and CEO Brian Rolapp issued statements of support, emphasizing that the focus remains on his well-being as a person rather than his achievements on the course. Woods stated that this hiatus is necessary to prioritize his recovery and return in a stronger, more focused place both personally and professionally.

Legal History and Recovery Efforts

This current legal situation mirrors a May 2017 arrest in which Douglas Duncan also represented Woods. In that case, officers discovered the golfer asleep at the wheel of a running vehicle that had sustained damage to both bumpers and two flat tires. Hydrocodone was present in his system during that 2017 incident, which Woods attributed to a bad mixture of painkillers.

Tiger Woods treatment is now the primary objective as he seeks to address the seriousness of his current situation. He has requested privacy for his family and loved ones during this period of recovery. The golfer remains one of the most influential figures in the sport, despite having played only one full four-round tournament in 2024. His commitment to taking the time needed for a healthier return marks a formal departure from the professional circuit for the foreseeable future.