Tiger Woods' first words after returning to PGA Tour spotlight following crash and DUI arrest

Tiger Woods made his first public appearance since his March crash and DUI arrest on Tuesday, stepping back into the spotlight at a PGA Tour press conference in Connecticut.

The 15-time major champion appeared in front of the media ahead of this week's Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, where the PGA Tour formally unveiled a raft of significant changes that will reshape the men's professional game from 2028.

Woods, who chairs the Tour's Future Competitions Committee, opened proceedings before introducing PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. 

While he did not take questions from reporters, the appearance marked his first public engagement since a rollover car crash near his home on Jupiter Island, Florida, on 27 March.

The 50-year-old has remained out of the spotlight in the months since the crash, which resulted in a DUI charge. 

A police affidavit alleged Woods had hydrocodone pills on his person at the time of the accident, and thankfully nobody was injured. 

Woods has missed all three major championships in 2026 while undergoing rehabilitation in Switzerland.

He is also expected to miss next month's Open Championship at Royal Birkdale too. 

The 82-time PGA Tour winner has not played in a Tour event now since missing the cut at The Open in July 2024 at Royal Troon. 

Addressing the media on Tuesday, Woods reflected on the work carried out by the Future Competitions Committee as the PGA Tour prepares to enter what it believes will be a new era.

The appearance represented another step in Woods' recovery after he revealed four days after his car crash and resulting DUI arrest that he would be "stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment" and focus on his health.

"Good morning," said Woods, with a big smile on his face as he was the first to take to the podium and address the media.

"Over the past eight months, the Future Competition Committee has spent a lot of time on a very important and fundamental question: How do we build the strongest possible version of the PGA Tour?

"This work was never about any one player or person. It was about bringing together different perspectives, having honest, hard conversations, and thinking boldly about what is best for the game that we all love.

"It has been a privilege to work with all the committee members and especially my fellow player directors. I'm proud of the work we've done and am grateful to everyone who's contributed along the way.

"We have to look forward and beyond today and over the horizon to set up the PGA Tour and our sport for the future generations of players and fans.

"With that, I would like to introduce the CEO of the PGA Tour, Brian Rolapp."

Woods' public appearance came as the PGA Tour announced sweeping structural reforms that include a new two-tier competitive system, permanent promotion and relegation, the removal of sponsor exemptions and the introduction of match play during the season-ending Playoffs.

The changes, approved by the PGA Tour Policy Board on Monday, are intended to create a more performance-based pathway for players while providing greater clarity for fans.

Once taking the stage, newly-appointed PGA Tour CEO Rolapp immediately acknowledged Woods' presence.

"Thank you, Tiger. I think I speak for all of us, glad to see you back..." he said, before continuing with his sppech. 

Read about all of the sweeping reforms about to hit the PGA Tour here

Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy has thrown his support behind the PGA Tour's new direction, despite opting to skip this week's Travelers Championship.

“Today’s announcement is a positive step for professional golf," said McIroy upon learning of the PGA Tour's new era. 

"As more details emerge, it is encouraging to see the PGA Tour reaffirming the importance of meritocracy and creating a structure that will serve both players and fans well into the future."

McIroy added: "Over the last few years, golf has faced a period of uncertainty and division, which has not been in the best interests of the players, or the fans of the game.

"Today, we are putting the fans first, and I am excited about the future of our sport.”

What do you make of the PGA Tour's changes for 2028 onwards? Do you like them, or do you prefer the current model? Share your thoughts and comments in our forum below, or head over to join the debate on the GolfMagic social media channels - @GolfMagic