Tiger Woods to miss 2026 Masters after DUI arrest

Five-time champion announces break from golf following recent legal troubles

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:40am

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Tiger Woods has announced he will be stepping away from golf for an unspecified period of time, effectively ruling him out of the 2026 Masters Tournament. The decision comes after Woods was arrested and charged with driving under the influence following a vehicle crash last week.

Why it matters

Woods is one of the most iconic and successful golfers of all time, with five Masters titles to his name. His absence from the prestigious tournament will be felt by fans and the sport as a whole, raising questions about the future of his legendary career.

The details

Woods made the announcement at a press conference ahead of this week's Genesis Invitational, where he serves as the tournament host. The 15-time major champion pled not guilty to the DUI charge stemming from last week's incident. His decision to step away from golf comes as a blow to the sport, with the Masters being one of the events he has dominated throughout his storied career.

  • Woods was arrested and charged with DUI last week.
  • He announced his decision to step away from golf on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.

The players

Tiger Woods

A 15-time major champion and five-time winner of the Masters Tournament, considered one of the greatest golfers of all time.

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What they’re saying

“I will be taking a break from golf for a period of time to focus on my personal life. This was a difficult decision, but it is the right thing for me to do.”

— Tiger Woods

What’s next

Woods' legal case related to the DUI charge is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how long his self-imposed break from golf will last.

The takeaway

Woods' announcement is a significant blow to the sport of golf, as his presence and dominance at the Masters has been a major draw for fans over the years. His legal troubles and decision to step away raise concerns about the future of his legendary career.