One week after making his professional return in over a year, Tiger Woods has confirmed that he will not participate in the Masters Tournament in Augusta, that will take place between April 9 and 12. It had been rumoured that he would return, but all changed on Friday, when he had a car accident and was arrested on driving under the influence, and released on bail eight hours later.
His Land Rover rolled over when he tried to overtake a truck. Nobody was injured, but Woods needs to seek treatment and focus on his health. "I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today", the 50-year-old golfer said on a social media post. "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."
Woods was arrested after refusing to take a urine test. Authorities found him "lethargic, slow, sweating profusely, with bloodshot eyes and extremely dilated pupils", according to Reuters. He had two hydrocodone pills in his pocket. Woods pleaded not guilty and said he got distracted looking at his phone.
Woods won the Masters five times between 1997 and 2019; his 2019 victory was the final of the 15 Grand Slam titles he won, and came 11 years after the previous one.