MIAMI.- Tiger Woods announced his temporary retirement from golf on Tuesday to focus on his health, in his first public statement following his car accident on Friday in the state of Florida.
The American, who was arrested for a few hours after being accused of driving under the influence of substances, among other charges, will be absent for the second year in a row. Augusta Masterswhich is disputed next week.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. I will step away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health,” Woods said in the text published on his social networks.
“This is necessary so I can prioritize my well-being and work toward a lasting recovery,” he said. “I am committed to taking the time necessary to come back to a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally.”
Woods, 50, has been absent from top competition since 2024 British Open. In recent months he was preparing for a new return to the circuit after the Achilles tendon rupture suffered in March 2025 and a back operation in October.
This same week he made his first comeback in the finals of TGLan indoor virtual golf competition.
The Californian star did not rule out being ready for the Masters, the scene of his greatest exploits, but all these plans were blown up on Friday when he suffered a new accident with his car.
In an area near his residence in Jupiter Island, Florida, Woods hit a truck with a trailer with his vehicle and overturned on the driver’s door.
After the accident, which caused no injuries, the golfer refused to take a urine test after a breathalyzer test indicated that he had no alcohol in his system.
The police report of the case, released on Tuesday, revealed that Woods was carrying two hydrocodone pills in his pocket, a powerful opioid analgesic used to relieve pain.
Not guilty plea
Before the authorities, Woods pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to the charges against him.
The golfer alleged that the accident was the result of a distraction, since, before impact, he was looking at his cell phone and changing the radio station.
Woods “stated that … he did not realize that the vehicle in front of him had slowed down,” the police report stated.
The golfer justified the use of the pills by recalling that “he has undergone seven back surgeries and more than 20 operations on his leg (…) He indicated that he limps and that his ankle locks when he walks,” the report stated.
The athlete waived the formal arraignment that was scheduled and demanded a jury trial in the case.
The winner of 15 Grand Slam tournaments suffered a more serious accident in California in 2021 in which he was close to having his right leg amputated and whose consequences have hampered his repeated attempts to return to competition.
In 2017, Woods was also involved in a traffic incident in which he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
