Tiger Woods will skip the 2026 Masters Tournament after he was arrested and charged with DUI.
“Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being,” Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley said in a statement Tuesday night.
“Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta,” Ridley added.
The announcement came after Woods revealed he would be “stepping away” from golf to seek treatment.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” he said on social media Tuesday.
“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,” he added.
“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return to a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”
On March 27, Woods, 50, was involved in a rollover crash in Jupiter Island, Florida.
Local authorities said the five-time Masters champ showed “signs of impairment” but passed a breathalyzer test that was given on the scene.
However, Woods declined to give a urine sample and was subsequently taken into custody and charged with driving under the influence.
The athlete spent eight hours behind bars at the Martin County jail and was caught by papparazzi looking somber after he snuck out a back door of the jail to try to avoid the media.
Additionally, Woods’ bloodshot-eyed mugshot was released to the public.
According to a police report obtained by Page Six on March 31, Woods was caught with pills in his pocket at the time of his most recent arrest.
The deputy who searched the golf legend after his car crash “located two white pills inside [his] left side pant pocket,” which were “revealed to be hydrocodone.”
The pills were bagged and submitted as evidence.
The affidavit stated that the dad of two — who “had hiccups during the entire investigation” — said he had not consumed any alcohol or illegal substances that day but confessed to taking “a few” prescription medications.
Deputies also observed Woods “limping and stumbling to the right” when he agreed to conduct a few field sobriety exercises.
The pro golfer has had several car crashes over the years.
In May 2017, Woods was busted for a DUI in Jupiter after cops found him passed out behind the wheel of his Mercedes-Benz.
Tests showed Woods had Vicodin, Dilaudid, Xanax, Ambien and THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, in his system.
Soon after Woods’ arrest, he announced seeking “professional help” to “manage” the medications that he claimed were for back pain and a sleep disorder.
Woods has reportedly refused to hire a driver over the years due to privacy concerns.
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