Washington (United States) (AFP) – Tiger Woods received support from the PGA Tour and Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley after stepping away from golf to work on his health and well-being following a traffic accident. The 50-year-old golfing legend was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence last Friday after the crash on Jupiter Island, Florida, in which no one was injured.
Woods, who passed a breathalyzer exam but refused to take a urinalysis, pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence on Tuesday and later stated in a statement that he was stepping away from golf to focus on himself. “I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in,” Woods said. “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. I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally.”
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Woods had not dismissed talk of playing in next week’s Masters when he competed in a TGL indoor simulator event last week, but his status was listed as a non-playing past champion on the Masters website on Wednesday. “Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being,” Augusta National chairman Ridley said in a statement. “Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta.” That likely means Woods will not be attending next week’s Masters Champions Dinner.
Woods, a 15-time major winner, also quickly drew support from the PGA Tour. “Tiger Woods is a legend of our sport whose impact extends far beyond his achievements on the course. But above all else, Tiger is a person, and our focus is on his health and well-being,” the PGA Tour said in a statement. “Tiger continues to have our full support as he takes this important step.”
Woods has not competed at the PGA Tour level since the 2024 British Open. He last completed 72 holes in an event at the 2024 Masters, where he finished 60th. PGA Tour chief executive officer Brian Rolapp said in a statement that Woods had helped him adjust to his role, which he began last June. “Tiger Woods is one of the most influential figures the sports world has ever known,” Rolapp said. “Over the last year, I have come to appreciate Tiger not only for his impact on the game, but for his friendship and the perspective he has shared with me as I joined the golf industry. My thoughts are with him and his family as he takes this step, for which he has my full respect and support.”
© 2024 AFP
