His comments came hours after the professional golfer pleaded not guilty in his driving under the influence case in Florida.
WASHINGTON — Golf legend Tiger Woods says he will step away for a while as he seeks treatment in his first comments since his Florida DUI arrest.
In a statement shared on his social media, Woods expressed his commitment to “return in a healthier, stronger and more focused place.”
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. 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,” Woods said on his Instagram story Tuesday. “I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in 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.”
His comments came hours after the professional golfer pleaded not guilty in his driving under the influence case in Florida. The online court docket for Martin County, Florida, showed Woods entered a written plea of not guilty and planned to waive his appearance during an arraignment hearing next month.
His arrest last Friday came as Woods was trying to decide if he was fit enough to play the Masters, which starts April 9, and was days away from what was described as a “soft deadline” to decide whether to be the U.S. Ryder Cup captain for the 2027 matches in Ireland. Woods, 50, had been working his way back to golf from a seventh back surgery in September.
Earlier on Tuesday, a sheriff’s report said he had pain pills in his pocket and showed signs of impairment at the scene of the crash last week.
Woods’ eyes were bloodshot and glassy, his pupils dilated and he had opioid pills on him when interviewed at the scene of the crash, according to the arrest report released by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
Woods’ movements were slow and lethargic, he was sweating as he talked to deputies and told them he had taken prescription medication earlier in the morning, according to the report. Woods told deputies he had been looking at his phone and fiddling with the radio before he clipped a truck in front of him, the report said.
Deputies found two white pills, which were identified as the opioid hydrocodone used to treat pain, in his pocket, the report said.
When asked by a deputy if he took any prescription medications, Woods said, “I take a few.”
The golfer was traveling at high speeds on a beachside, residential road on Jupiter Island when his Land Rover clipped the truck and rolled onto its side, according to the sheriff’s office, which noted Woods showed signs of impairment.
“Tiger Woods is a legend of our sport whose impact extends far beyond his achievement on the course,” the PGA Tour said in a statement. “But above all else, Tiger is a person, an dour focus is on his health and well-being. Tiger continues to have our full support as he takes this important step.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.