Tiger Woods has announced that he is stepping away from golf to focus on his health after his arrest last week in Florida for driving under the influence. The 15-time major champion was assessed to be impaired by officers at the scene and had opioid painkillers with him, but has pleaded not guilty to DUI charges.
Woods crashed his SUV into a trailer being pulled by a pickup truck near his Jupiter Island home last Friday. He was charged with suspicion of misdemeanor DUI with property damage and refusing to submit to a lawful test, when he would not submit to urine tests after a breathalyzer test showed no alcohol in his system.
Tiger Woods’ Health Concerns
Woods, 50, had previously suffered severe leg injuries in a 2021 single-car crash in California. According to the Wikipedia page on Tiger Woods, he underwent emergency surgery for multiple compound fractures in his right leg and a shattered ankle following the crash.
During the latest accident, Woods rolled his vehicle onto its side and was forced to exit from the passenger’s side door. Neither he nor the truck driver were injured. Woods was found with two hydrocodone pills, an opioid painkiller, and appeared unable to safely drive a vehicle when he was apprehended.
Impact on Golf Career
Woods has not competed in a top-level golf event since his return to competition at the 2022 Masters, where he finished 47th despite struggling simply to walk 72 holes at Augusta National. Next week, Woods is scheduled to attend the Champions Dinner at Augusta National ahead of the 90th Masters.
Here are some key points about Tiger Woods’ situation:
- Woods was arrested for DUI last week in Florida
- He pleaded not guilty to the charges and waived a planned arraignment
- Woods has demanded a jury trial in the matter
- He has previously suffered severe leg injuries in a 2021 single-car crash in California
As reported by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Woods was observed “sweating profusely” and described his movements as “lethargic and slow,” noting his eyes were “bloodshot and glassy” and he was “limping and stumbling to the right” while walking.
