Tiger Woods will miss The Masters as he “steps away to seek treatment and focus on health”

Tiger Woods has announced he is “stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health,” confirming he will miss The Masters at Augusta next week. 

The 50-year-old golf legend was involved in a rollover car crash on Friday near his home on Jupiter Island and it led to his DUI arrest. 

Woods shared his latest update via his social media accounts on Tuesday evening, four days after the shock incident. 

"I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today," Woods wrote in a statement. 

"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 prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.

"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."

The PGA Tour also released a statement at the same time as Woods' update.

"Tiger Woods is a legend of our sport whose impact extends far beyond his achievements on the course," reads a PGA Tour statement. 

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

"Tiger continues to have our full support as he takes this important step."

PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp added: "Tiger Woods is one of the most influential figures the sports world has ever known.

"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."

Woods submitted a written plea of not guilty via his lawyers on Tuesday.

That came after a police report earlier detailed his behaviour after the crash.

According to the official police report, Woods had two hydrocodone pills in his pocket and was acting “lethargic and slow” while “sweating profusely” following the collision.

Investigators also noted he was “hiccuping” while speaking at the scene and had to crawl out of the passenger side of his vehicle.

Woods passed a breathalyser test but refused a urinalysis for other substances, Martin County Sheriff John Budenskiak confirmed. 

When asked about prescription medication, Woods reportedly answered, "I take a few."

He told officers he was looking down at his phone to change radio stations just before the crash, which involved a truck towing a trailer that slowed into a driveway on Beach Road.

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

He faces charges including driving under the influence, property damage, and refusal to submit a lawful test. 

Woods' first court appearance is scheduled for Thursday 23 April, but he will not need to attend that hearing.