Tiger Woods will miss The Masters after being arrested for DUI.

Tiger Woods to Miss the Masters

Tiger Woods will not participate in this year’s Masters Tournament. The 50-year-old golfer was arrested on Friday for suspected drunk driving after crashing his vehicle near his residence, as confirmed by Augusta National’s chairman, Fred Ridley.

Ridley expressed the club’s support for Woods, stating, “Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods’ commitment to his health. Tiger won’t be joining us in person next week, but his presence will be felt here at Augusta.”

On Tuesday night, Woods revealed he would be seeking medical treatment following his not guilty plea in a Florida court.

In a statement released on social media, Woods acknowledged the seriousness of his situation, saying, “I will be taking a period of time off to receive treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order to prioritize my health and work towards a lasting recovery.”

He emphasized his commitment to returning to a healthier state, both personally and professionally, and requested privacy for himself and his family during this time.

While there had been opportunities for Woods, a 15-time major champion, to compete, uncertainties loomed after he managed to exit his overturned SUV without injury, which had become wedged under a truck in Jupiter Island, Florida, at around 2 p.m.

According to Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek, Woods showed signs of impairment and “gave triple zero” on a breathalyzer test, indicating the influence of some substance. He declined to submit to a urine test.

Woods was released on bail late Friday after being detained for eight hours, in accordance with Florida DUI regulations.

This incident came just days after Woods participated in the TGL Indoor League playoff final, marking his first golf activity since the 2024 British Open.

Notably, this is about nine years after his first DUI, where he admitted to taking an improper mix of painkillers, eventually pleading guilty to reckless driving. He also suffered significant injuries from a car accident in 2021 that shattered his right foot and has had multiple back surgeries.

Previously expected to be the U.S. Ryder Cup captain in 2027, Woods has had ongoing health issues, most recently a disc replacement surgery last fall while recovering from an Achilles tendon rupture that kept him from last year’s major tournaments.

Woods had been somewhat evasive about his participation in the Masters, firmly stating “no” during the Genesis Invitational in February when questioned about Augusta.

He hadn’t played in a major for a decade before triumphing at the Masters in 2019, securing his 15th title and fifth green jacket at age 43, making him the second-oldest winner after Jack Nicklaus.

However, Woods’ performance has declined in recent years due to age and injuries. He managed to compete in all four majors in 2024, but qualified only for the Masters, where he finished in 60th place.