Tiger Woods will not play in The Masters after deciding to “step away for a period of time” to seek treatment following a car crash that led to a driving-under-the-influence charge, Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley confirmed.
Woods announced his decision after the incident in Florida last Friday. He has pleaded not guilty to the DUI charge but has acknowledged looking at his phone just before the crash. According to a police report, two hydrocodone pills, an opioid pain medication, were found in his pocket during a search.
Ridley released a statement saying, “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.” The Masters is scheduled for April 9-12.
The 50-year-old, a five-time Masters champion whose most recent green jacket came in 2019, had not explicitly said during a Sky Sports appearance that he would miss the tournament, but Augusta National’s confirmation ended speculation. Woods had been expected to attend a Sunday ceremony for “The Patch,” a municipal course in Augusta he helped design, and the Champions Dinner on April 7.
Woods has missed Augusta before (he was absent in 2025 because of injury) and has played sparingly since a serious car crash in 2021 that resulted in major injuries. A short return in the TGL finals in late March, representing Jupiter Links Golf Club — his first competitive action in about 13 months — briefly raised hopes he might tee it up at Augusta this year, but those hopes are now off the table.
His schedule has been limited since the 2021 accident and an earlier incident in which he was found asleep at the wheel, as ongoing injury management and recovery have constrained his ability to compete regularly.
Commentary and reaction
Sky Sports Golf podcast host Jamie Weir called Woods’ decision appropriate, saying the tournament would have become “a complete circus, a complete sideshow” had he played. Weir suggested Woods’ days as a top competitor are probably behind him, pointing to limited meaningful competition since 2021 and adding that while Woods may appear on golf courses again, a return to true elite competitiveness seems unlikely. He also highlighted immediate questions about Woods’ off-course roles, including his position on the PGA Tour board and potential future responsibilities such as captaining a U.S. Ryder Cup team, and urged that fans ease pressure on Woods to return.
Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee welcomed Woods’ acknowledgment that he needs help, saying it could open the way for a valuable off-course role as an elder statesman shaping the game’s future. Chamblee noted Woods’ contributions to golf through his achievements and suggested his most important impact going forward may be behind the scenes. He also cited Woods’ history of surgeries and pain management as reasons a sustained comeback at the highest level would be difficult.
Legal status and community support
Woods’ legal situation remains pending; Sheriff John Budensiek confirmed the arrest and charge on March 27. Members of the golfing community and Augusta National have publicly expressed support as Woods focuses on his health and treatment.