Tiger Woods Announces 'Stepping Away' After Car Crash and DUI Charge

Golf legend to seek treatment and focus on health following latest incident

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:38pm

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Golf superstar Tiger Woods announced he will 'step away' from the sport to seek treatment after being charged with a DUI in Florida. Woods was arrested on March 28 and pleaded not guilty to the DUI charge after rolling his SUV near his home. The incident marks the second DUI-related accident Woods has been involved in within the last decade.

Why it matters

Woods' announcement to step away from golf comes as he faces mounting legal troubles and health concerns. The former world No. 1 golfer has struggled with injuries and substance abuse issues in recent years, raising questions about the long-term viability of his storied career.

The details

According to police, Woods was checking his phone and changing the radio station while driving above the speed limit when the rollover crash occurred. Woods told police he had not consumed alcohol but admitted to taking opioid painkillers before the accident. He submitted a breathalyzer test with a 0.0 reading but declined to provide a urine sample, leading to an additional charge.

  • Woods was arrested on March 28, 2026 near his Florida home.
  • The Masters tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, which Woods has played in 26 times, will commence on April 9, 2026.

The players

Tiger Woods

A legendary professional golfer who has won 15 major championships and spent a record-setting 683 weeks as the world's number one ranked player.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who commented on Woods' arrest and said the golfer 'lives a life of pain' due to his prior leg and back injuries.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Tiger Woods out on bail.

The takeaway

Woods' announcement to step away from golf highlights the ongoing challenges he faces with injuries, substance abuse, and legal troubles. As one of the most iconic athletes of his generation, Woods' struggles have been closely watched, raising questions about the long-term viability of his storied career.