Tiger Woods’ return to Augusta National will have to wait until 2027.
Following a two-car crash last Friday that led to his DUI arrest, Woods announced that he was “stepping away” to seek treatment and “focus on his health.”
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods said in a statement released on X. “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. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”
Prior to the crash and subsequent DUI arrest, Woods had been ramping up his rehab from October back surgery in hopes of teeing it up at Augusta National this week. The 15-time major champion recently made his TGL season debut in Jupiter Links’ championship loss to Los Angeles Golf Club and said he had been pushing as hard as possible to get his body ready.
“As I said, I’ve been trying,” Woods said after his TGL debut about playing the Masters. “Just this body is — it doesn’t recover like it did when it was 24, 25. It doesn’t mean I’m not trying. I’ve been trying for a while. I’ve had a couple bad injuries here over the past years that I’ve had to fight through and it’s taken some time. I keep trying. I want to play. I love the tournament. I’ve loved being there since I was 19 years old. It’s meant a lot to me and my family over the years. I’m going to be there either way with The Loop that’s going up there, as well as the Champions Dinner.”
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Three days later, Woods crashed his car on a two-lane road in Jupiter, Fla. The crash came after Woods attempted to overtake a turning truck with a trailer attached. Woods flipped his Range Rover on its side after making contact with the trailer. When officers arrived on the scene, they observed Woods “sweating profusely” and appearing “lethargic and slow,” according to an affidavit obtained by GOLF. Woods was given a field sobriety test. He blew “.000” on the breathalyzer but refused to take a urine test. He was charged with Driving Under the Influence and pleaded not guilty.
After Woods’ announcement that he would be seeking treatment, Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley released a statement in support of the 82-time PGA Tour winner.
“Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being. Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt her in Augusta.”
Woods did not play in last year’s Masters after rupturing his Achilles’ tendon in March. He has not played in a tournament since the 2024 Open Championship.
The 2026 Masters will be the first Masters without Woods or Phil Mickelson since 1994. Mickelson announced last Thursday that he would “be out for an extended period of time” as he and his family “work through a personal health matter.”
The 2026 Masters begins on Thursday, April 9.
