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Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Fred Ridley confirmed that fifteen-time major champion Tiger Woods won't attend the upcoming major Masters Tournament in any capacity on Tuesday (March 31).
Woods, 50, who has won the Masters Tournament five times, had previously announced that he's "stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health" in his first public statement since his arrest last Friday (March 27) earlier on Tuesday and Ridley confirmed that he would be absent from both competition and past champion obligations.
"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 here in Augusta.
Woods broke his silence on his arrest in a statement shared on his social media accounts earlier in the day.
"I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today," 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. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time."
Woods was charged with driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test last week. The golf legend reportedly told police that he was looking down at his cell phone and changing the radio station, claiming it caused him to not see a truck that he crashed into prior to his arrest, according to Martin County Sheriff's deputy Tatiana Levenar in an arrest affidavit obtained by ESPN.
Woods was reportedly "sweating profusely" and was moving in a "lethargic and slow" way when responding officers spoke to him at the scene. The legendary golfer appeared to look dazed in the photo in his mugshot from Martin County Jail.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek confirmed Woods' charges and that he was in custody and would remain jailed for at least eight hours on Friday after his detainment in adherence with Florida state law before being released later that evening. The 50-year-old was confirmed to be driving a Land Rover that was seen on its side and managed to crawl out of the vehicle.
Woods reportedly attempted to pass a truck pulling a trailer at a high rate of speed and swiped the trailer, resulting in his vehicle rolling on its side. Budensiek said Woods showed signs of impairment and DUI investigators conducted several tests at the seen.
Woods was arrested and taken to the Martin County Jail, where he took a breathalyzer test that confirmed he wasn't under the influence of alcohol, but refused a urinalysis test, which resulted in the charges. Budensiek confirmed that no drugs or medication were found in Woods' vehicle.
Both Woods and the driver of the truck pulling the trailer were uninjured in the crash. Woods, who recently made his official return to competitive golf in the TGL Final this week, had previously suffered open fractures to both his tibia and fibula bones following a single-vehicle accident in 2021.
Woods, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential golfers of all-time ranks second all-time behind only Nicklaus (18) in career majors and has 82 PGA Tour victories, tied with Sam Snead for the most all-time.