Tiger Woods Withdraws from Masters Following DUI Arrest and Car Crash

Tiger Woods will not compete in this week's Masters Tournament at Augusta National, ending speculation about his participation following a car crash and DUI arrest near his Florida home last month.

The 50-year-old golf legend announced March 31 that he would step away from competitive golf for an undetermined period, citing the need to "prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery." His decision comes after being arrested and charged with suspicion of DUI and refusing to submit to a drug test following a rollover accident on Jupiter Island.

The March 27 incident marked Woods' third recorded accident and second DUI arrest since 2009. According to the arrest affidavit filed by the Martin County Sheriff's Office, Woods was driving when he became distracted by his phone and radio, failing to notice a Ford F-150 with trailer ahead had slowed to make a turn.

Woods swerved into oncoming traffic to avoid a collision but struck the trailer's rear fender, causing his vehicle to flip onto its side. While no injuries were reported, responding officers described Woods as "lethargic and slow" with bloodshot eyes and "extremely dilated" pupils.

Officers noted that Woods was "sweating profusely" and had difficulty following instructions during field sobriety testing. A search revealed hydrocodone pills in his pocket, though a breathalyzer test showed no alcohol in his system. Woods refused to provide a urine sample for drug testing and was released from Martin County Jail later that evening.

The golf icon has pleaded not guilty to the DUI charges through his attorney Douglas Duncan and has requested a jury trial. The legal proceedings add another layer of complexity to Woods' ongoing struggle with injuries that have derailed his comeback attempts.

Woods missed the entire 2025 PGA Tour season while recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon and disc-replacement surgery performed in October. The surgeries were the latest in a long series of medical procedures spanning more than a decade of back problems.

Prior to his arrest, Woods had expressed cautious optimism about returning for the Masters, though those hopes were complicated by his relationship with the Trump family. Woods is currently dating Vanessa Trump, ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr., and President Trump had already publicly stated that Woods would not compete at Augusta.

Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, issued a statement supporting Woods' decision to prioritize his health. "Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt in Augusta," Ridley said.

The absence marks a significant moment for the tournament Woods has dominated throughout his career. The five-time Masters champion trails only Jack Nicklaus, who won six green jackets between 1963 and 1986. Woods' 15 major championships also leave him three short of Nicklaus' all-time record of 18.

Woods last competed on the PGA Tour in July 2024, missing the cut at the British Open. His most recent Masters appearance saw him make a record 24th consecutive cut while finishing 60th at 16-over par.

The only competitive golf Woods has played recently came in TGL, the indoor tech-infused team golf league near his Palm Beach County home. However, that participation predated his latest legal troubles.

Woods' announcement emphasized his commitment to returning "in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally." He requested privacy for his family and loved ones during this challenging period.

The 2026 Masters will proceed without one of golf's most iconic figures, with coverage beginning April 9 on Amazon Prime Video and continuing through the weekend on CBS. For Woods, the focus now shifts from competing for another green jacket to addressing the personal and legal challenges that have once again derailed his storied career.