PGA Tour and Masters chairman offers support for Tiger Woods after DUI crash

[p]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.[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/woods-tiger/jcA2kkj7/"]Woods[/a], who passed a breathalyser exam but refused to take a urinalysis, pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence on Tuesday and later said in a statement he was stepping away from golf to work on himself.[/p][p][b]"I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in,"[/b] Woods said.[/p][p][b]"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 prioritise my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.[/b][/p][p][b]"I'm committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally."[/b][/p][embed guid="bddc187c-877b-4ef3-bada-d0ffbf955437" url="https://x.com/TigerWoods/status/2039110644255891907" social-type="twitter" /][p]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.[/p][p][b]"Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being,"[/b] Augusta National chairman Ridley said in a statement.[/p][p][b]"Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta."[/b][/p][p]That likely means Woods will not be attending next week's Masters Champions Dinner.[/p][p]Woods, a 15-time major winner, also quickly drew support from the PGA Tour.[/p][p][b]"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,"[/b] the PGA Tour said in a statement.[/p][p][b]"Tiger continues to have our full support as he takes this important step."[/b][/p][embed guid="0b1f2fe4-1e2b-4e68-b9af-17acbfda8117" url="https://x.com/TheMasters/status/2039149230292406694" social-type="twitter" /][p]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.[/p][p]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.[/p][p][b]"Tiger Woods is one of the most influential figures the sports world has ever known," [/b]Rolapp said.[/p][p][b]"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.[/b][/p][p][b]"My thoughts are with him and his family as he takes this step, for which he has my full respect and support."[/b][/p]