PGA Tour boss releases statement after bombshell Tiger Woods announcement

The PGA Tour's chief executive says his thoughts are with Tiger Woods after the 15-time major champion announced he is stepping away from golf to seek treatment. 

Woods, 50, was involved in another serious incident behind the wheel in Florida last Friday. 

The 82-time PGA Tour winner rolled his Land Rover after clipping the side of a truck whilst attempting to overtake. 

Nobody was injured in the incident but Woods has been charged with driving under the influence, property damage and refusal to submit a lawful test. 

The police report, released on Tuesday, claimed a "lethargic and slow" Woods was hiccuping at the scene as he talked to investigators, had two hydrocodone pills in his pocket and was "sweating profusely". 

His eyes were also "bloodshot and glassy", according to the affidavit. 

Woods passed a breathalyser test but refused a urinalysis test for other drugs, according to Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek. 

He told authorities he was looking down at his phone while changing radio stations and did not realise the truck in front of him had slowed down before the collision. 

A deputy who walked Woods through a series of field sobriety tests said in the report he believed the golfer's faculties were impaired.

Woods reportedly explained that he was stumbling as he has had multiple back and leg surgeries throughout his career.

According to TMZ, lawyers for Woods have already entered a not guilty plea on his behalf ahead of a court hearing on 23 April. 

Despite the crash, there was still speculation that Woods would make an appearance at the 2026 Masters next week. 

Even if he decided not to play, he was due to unveil a new nine-hole course and attend the Champions DInner on the Tuesday evening in honour of Rory McIlroy. 

But Woods, a father of two, has ruled out his 27th appearance in the major by announcing that he is stepping away from the sport to seek treatment. 

In a short statement released on Friday, Woods said he recognised the seriousness of the situation he finds himself in. 

He said he was committed to returning fitter, healthier, stronger and in a better place personally and professionally. 

The PGA Tour's chief executive, Brian Rolapp, released a statement shortly after expressing his support for Woods. 

"Tiger Woods is one of the most influential figures the sports world has ever known," he said. 

"Over the last year, I have come to deeply 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.

"My thoughts are with him and his family as he takes this step, for which he has my full respect and support."

In a separate statement, the PGA Tour said Woods is a legend of the sport whose impact extends far beyond his achievements. 

"But above all else, Tiger is a person, and our focus is on his health and well-being," the statement added. 

"Tiger continues to have our full support."

Timing could not be worse

Analysis by Ben Smith

That Tiger Woods is stepping away is no great surprise. 

But the fact of the matter is that the timing could not be worse. 

Woods has been a member of the PGA Tour's policy board since August 2023 and also is the vice-chairman of the circuit's for-profit entity PGA Tour Enterprises. 

He is also the chairman of the PGA Tour's future competition committee, charged with re-shaping the Tour's schedule. 

The PGA Tour have already unveiled some of their ideas but were expected to provide more substantive plans in June. 

How they proceed without Woods is anyone's guess. 

The PGA of America have also asked Woods to captain the 2027 US Ryder Cup team at Adare Manor. 

Woods rejected the role last year and was non-committal when asked about it in recent months. 

He indicated that he wasn't sure if he could do the job justice given his other commitments. 

It seems the governing body will now have to look elsewhere.

And perhaps, the sport is general, must finally start to navigate a future without Tiger.