FLORIDA — Tiger Woods announced Tuesday he is stepping away from professional golf to seek treatment and focus on his health. The announcement came four days after Woods was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test after clipping a truck and rolling his car in Florida on Friday.

"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 prioritise my well-being and work toward lasting recovery," Woods said. "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."

He submitted a written plea of not guilty to the charges via his lawyers on Tuesday. Attorney Douglas Duncan submitted the plea and demand for a jury trial in Martin County Circuit Court in Stuart, Florida, according to court documents. Woods waived his arraignment hearing scheduled for April 23 in Martin County Circuit Court in Stuart, Florida.

According to a police report, Woods had two hydrocodone pills in his pocket after the crash. Officers observed him acting "lethargic and slow", "sweating profusely" with "extremely dilated" pupils, according to a police report. Woods passed a breathalyzer test and refused to take a urinalysis test at the crash scene.

Woods said he was looking down at his phone while changing radio stations and did not realize the truck ahead had slowed before the collision, according to a police report. During a post-crash interview, he said he takes prescription medication and had taken some earlier that morning. Nobody was injured in the crash.

Woods was kept in jail for eight hours after the crash, the minimum allowed under state law, before being released on bail. Woods told officers he had had seven back surgeries and over 20 operations on his leg, according to a police report.

Woods was expected to attend the unveiling of The Patch public golf course at Augusta National during Masters week. He was also expected to attend Rory McIlroy's Champions Dinner on the Tuesday night of Masters week.

"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," said Fred Ridley, Masters chairman.

Last week, Woods competed in the TGL indoor golf league finals, his first competitive golf in more than a year. Woods last competed on the PGA Tour in July 2024, when he missed the cut at the Open Championship.