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Tiger Woods won’t be teeing it up at The Masters.
The 50-year-old, who was arrested on a DUI charge Friday after crashing his car near his home, won’t be in the field at Augusta National, according to chairman Fred Ridley.
“Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters tournament full support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being,” Ridley said in a statement. “Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta.”
Woods revealed Tuesday evening that he would be seeking treatment after pleading not guilty in Martin County, Florida court.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” he wrote in a statement shared on social media Tuesday, hours after he pleaded not guilty to DUI charges. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.
“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”
The 15-time major champion and five-time green jacket winner had left the door open to competing next week, but his status was made even murkier after he rolled his Land Rover over after clipping the back of a truck in Jupiter Island, Fla. around 2 p.m. Woods crawled out of his SUV unscathed.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said Friday that while Woods “blew triple zeros” on a breathalyzer test, he allegedly was under the influence of “some type of medication or drug” and “did exemplify the signs of impairment.”
Woods refused to take a urine test.
He was released on bail Friday night after spending at least eight hours in jail, as required by Florida law in intoxication cases.
The crash came three days after Woods played in the finals of his TGL indoor league’s playoffs, his first golf action since the 2024 British Open.
It also came roughly nine years after his first DUI arrest, also near his home, after which he admitted to taking a bad mix of painkillers. He pled guilty to reckless driving.
Just over five years ago, Woods shattered his leg during a single-car crash in California and underwent surgery.
Woods, who was expected to become the U.S. Ryder Cup captain for 2027, has had seven back surgeries, the most recent one a disc replacement in the fall while he was recovering from a torn Achilles that forced him out of last year’s majors.
He was previously coy regarding his status for The Masters, saying “no” at the Genesis Invitational in February when asked if playing at Augusta was “off the table.”
Woods went a decade without a major before capturing his 15th title at Augusta in 2019, his fifth green jacket.
His win at age 43 made him the second-oldest Masters winner behind Jack Nicklaus, who was 46 when he won his sixth Masters in 1986.
Woods’ performance in recent years has tailed off due to his age and long injury history, which includes a handful of back surgeries and a shattered right leg from his 2021 car crash.
He managed to play all four majors in 2024 but only made the cut at The Masters, where he finished 60th.
Woods’ 82 PGA Tour wins are tied with Sam Snead for the most all-time.
English (US)