CBS sets approach for covering Tiger Woods DUI arrest during The Masters

CBS Sports has said it will not speculate on Tiger Woods’ potential participation in next week's Masters following the golf legend's rollover crash and DUI arrest on Friday, but the network did confirm its approach for handling the situation at Augusta National. 

Speaking during a Masters preview call on Monday, David Berson, CEO and President of CBS Sports, addressed questions about Woods’ status but declined to provide specifics.

“Thankfully, no one was injured [in the two-car rollover crash]… that's the most important thing coming out of this past week,” Berson said. 

“Tiger playing or not playing or being in Augusta or not being in Augusta… we don't have information and it's not fair to anyone for us to speak about it or speculate. We just won't do that.”

The 15-time major champion was arrested last Friday minutes from his home in Jupiter Island, Florida, after flipping his Range Rover at around 2pm local time. 

Authorities reported Woods clipped the rear of a truck he was attempting to overtake and exited his vehicle through the passenger door before being detained.

Woods, 50, was charged with driving under the influence, property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test. 

Police said the former world number one appeared “lethargic” and showed “signs of impairment” and appeared to be on “some type of medication or drug.” 

He passed a breathalyser test but declined to provide a urine sample. 

Woods was held in custody for eight hours before being released on bail. 

The five-time Masters champion is due to face a court hearing next month. 

Neither the PGA Tour nor Woods’ representatives have commented on the incident or his potential participation in the tournament, which runs from 9-12 April. 

Berson also addressed Woods’ history with driving incidents, which includes three accidents — one nearly fatal in Los Angeles in 2021 — and two prior DUIs. 

“He and his team are going to have to be the ones who speak about it,” Berson said. 

“It's only fair if that's the case. We hope you'll respect and appreciate that, but we just really don't want to speculate on something.”

The CBS chief emphasised Woods’ situation would only be discussed on-air if the news warrants it. 

Berson said: “Our job during the tournament itself will be to cover the tournament. And you know, Tiger obviously has a tremendous legacy at Augusta National, with all his Masters victories and his voice in the sport. So, of course, we'll touch on things as necessary, as news dictates. But for coverage of the event itself, we're going to cover the events.”

CBS veteran host Jim Nantz also spoke during the preview call, addressing fellow contender Bryson DeChambeau. 

Despite DeChambeau being joint second-favourite to win The Masters after two consecutive LIV Golf victories, Nantz admitted: “I have to confess, I have not seen Bryson hit a single shot this year. All I can go off of is the YouTube videos I've watched with my son.”

Nantz, who has called every Masters since 1989 and is famous for opening coverage with “Hello Friends,” underscored that CBS’ coverage would focus primarily on the tournament itself, with Woods’ situation addressed only as news develops.