A Florida judge ruled Wednesday that Tiger Woods can leave the United States to seek “comprehensive inpatient treatment” after being arrested on suspicion of drunk driving.
Woods’ attorney, Douglas Duncan, filed the motion in Martin County Court, saying the 50-year-old golfer urgently needs an “intensive, highly individualized and medically integrated program” as well as privacy from media and public scrutiny.
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Judge Darren Steele granted the motion after a conference call on the issue.
Woods’ decision to “step back” from golf-related activities following Friday’s rollover car accident means he will not captain the 2027 U.S. Ryder Cup team, the PGA of America confirmed Wednesday.
Woods pleaded not guilty Tuesday to misdemeanor charges of DUI with damage to property and refusal to submit to a legal test.
A breathalyzer test showed no alcohol in his system at the time of the accident, but Woods refused a urine test.
In seeking permission for Woods to leave the country, Duncan said Woods’ doctors “recommended specific treatment facilities based on the defendant’s complex clinical condition and his urgent need for a level of treatment that cannot be safely or effectively provided in the United States due to repeated violations of his privacy.”
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“Continued medical testing and public exposure will create significant barriers to his treatment, resulting in setbacks and an inability to fully engage in treatment.”
Woods has battled numerous injuries during his career, including multiple back surgeries.
In 2017, police found him asleep with the engine of his damaged car running and he was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving.
Woods said he took multiple painkillers and eventually pleaded guilty to reckless driving and entering a treatment facility for help managing his prescription medication.
In February 2021, Woods underwent emergency surgery for multiple compound fractures in his right leg and a shattered ankle after a rollover accident in California.
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According to a Martin County Sheriff’s Office incident report, Woods told officers he had seven back surgeries and more than 20 foot surgeries, and that he was limping and one ankle was spasming when he walked.
“I looked down at my cell phone and was changing the radio station, and I didn’t notice that the car in front of me had slowed down,” Woods told the officer, according to the report.
– “Lethargy and slow movement” –
However, a sheriff’s deputy described his movements as “lethargic and slow” and noted that his eyes were “bloodshot and glassy.”
Police said in a report that Woods had two hydrocodone pills and an opioid painkiller in his possession at the time of his arrest and appeared unable to safely drive a vehicle.
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“I will be stepping away for a period of time to receive treatment and focus on my health,” Woods said in a statement posted to his social media accounts on Tuesday.
“This is what I need to do to prioritize my health and work towards a lasting recovery.”
～Put your health first～
Woods underwent surgery for a torn Achilles tendon in March 2025 and further back surgery in October, but has not played in a top-level golf event since the 2024 British Open.
However, he plays a key role as chairman of the PGA Tour’s Future Competitions Committee, which was established to help shape the new tour, and in February he admitted he was considering accepting the role of Ryder Cup captain.
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In a statement, the PGA of America praised Tiger for putting his long-term health first and said it “shared with us” that Tiger would not serve as captain, saying it deeply respects his courage to make such a personal decision.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolup and Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley also issued supportive statements.
Ridley said Augusta National and the Masters Tournament “fully support Tiger Woods as he continues to focus on his health.”
“Tiger won’t be joining us in person next week, but his presence will be felt here at Augusta,” Ridley said of the five-time Masters champion.
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