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Tiger Woods will be notably absent from Augusta National this week following his DUI arrest in Florida, but Rory McIlroy said he plans to “acknowledge” the five-time Masters champion when former winners gather for their annual dinner on Tuesday.
Woods, along with three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson, will miss the annual dinner, which features a four-course menu inspired by the Northern Irishman’s favourites, including his mother’s bacon-wrapped dates and yellowfin tuna carpaccio after a dish from his favorite New York restaurant.
Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links Golf Club and Rory McIlroy of Boston Common Golf watch after their TGL match at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., on Jan. 27, 2025. (Megan Briggs/TGL/TGL via Getty Images)
“Unfortunately, there’s going to be a couple of guys that won’t be in that room, which is a shame, but I want to make sure they’re recognized as well,” McIlroy told Golf Channel on Sunday.
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“They’ve been two of the greatest masters the Masters has ever seen. But it’s going to be a really cool night. I can’t wait. I hope everyone enjoys the dinner and enjoys everything I’ve picked.”
Woods was arrested on charges of driving under the influence with property damage and refusing to submit to a breathalyzer test after police said his vehicle collided with another vehicle on March 27. Deputies said they believed Woods was impaired.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Pakinomist Digital, deputies with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office reported observing several signs of impairment at the scene, noting that the golf legend was “sweating profusely” and that his movements appeared “sluggish and slow.”
Tiger Woods was arrested on a DUI charge after being involved in a car accident on Friday. (Associated Press)
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Woods was arrested after performing a series of field sobriety tests, and during a search, law enforcement found “two white pills inside Woods’ left pants pocket.” According to the arrest affidavit, the pills were later identified as hydrocodone, a prescription opioid for pain relief.
Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley confirmed days after his arrest that Woods, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, would not participate in the Masters.
“Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his wellness,” Ridley said. “Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta.”
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland shakes hands with Tiger Woods of the United States on the 18th green after completing a practice round ahead of the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, on April 3, 2023. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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It is the second year in a row that Woods has missed the Masters. He ruptured his Achilles tendon in March 2025 and also missed the Masters Club dinner that year. Mickelson, 55, announced last week that he would also withdraw from the Masters as he and his family continue to “navigate a personal health issue.”
