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Golf influencer Paige Spiranac shared some words of encouragement for Tiger Woods, who announced this week that he would be stepping away from golf to “seek treatment” following his DUI arrest in Jupiter Island, Florida on Friday.
Spiranac reacted on social media after seeing Woods’ statement and the whole situation unfold after his rollover car accident.
“I think we all root for Tiger,” she wrote on X. “Not as a golfer, but more importantly as a person. None of us can fathom what he’s been through both emotionally and physically.
“It doesn’t excuse any behavior but I hope he is able to get the help he needs in peace without the whole world following him in a very difficult situation.”
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Paige Spiranac hits a tee shot during The Creator Classic prior to the Truist Championship at The Philadelphia Cricket Club (Wissahickon Course) on May 7, 2025 in Flourtown, Philadelphia. (Tracy Wilcox/PGA Tour via Getty Images)
Woods pleaded not guilty in court Tuesday, waiving his right to a prosecution and demanding a jury trial. He later released the statement saying he would seek treatment and focus on his health.
“I know and understand the gravity of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods said in the statement on social media. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary for me to prioritize my well-being and work towards lasting recovery.
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“I am committed to taking the time necessary to return to 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.”
Woods’ attorney, Douglas N. Duncan, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Pakinomist Digital.
Tiger Woods was arrested on a DUI charge after a crash in Florida on March 27, 2006. (AP/Martin County Sheriff’s Office)
Woods was arrested in Florida and prescription opioids were found in his pocket after he was involved in a crash Friday, according to court documents.
The 15-time major winner was arrested on charges of driving under the influence with property damage and refusing to submit to a breathalyzer (BAL) test after police said his vehicle collided with another while driving impaired.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Pakinomist Digital, deputies with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office reported observing several signs of impairment following the crash. They noted that Woods was “sweating profusely,” his movements appeared “limp and slow,” and his eyes were “bloodshot and glassy” as well as “extremely dilated” after removing his sunglasses. Woods admitted to being distracted before the crash.
“Woods stated he was looking down at his cell phone and changing the radio station and did not notice the vehicle in front of him slow down,” deputies wrote in the affidavit.
Golfer Tiger Woods stands by his overturned vehicle in Jupiter Island, Fla., Friday, March 27, 2026. (Jason Oteri/AP)
After Woods was arrested, authorities found “two white pills inside Woods’ left side pants pocket,” which were later identified as hydrocodone, a prescription opioid pain reliever.
This marks the second DUI arrest for Woods in the last decade. He was also taken into custody on Jupiter Island in 2017 after falling asleep behind the wheel of a moving vehicle at 3 a.m. after taking prescription medication.
Woods was also involved in a rollover accident in 2021 that resulted in serious leg injuries and emergency surgery, which he alluded to during the field sobriety test.
Woods just returned to the Golf League earlier this month for his first round of competition since undergoing multiple back surgeries while also repairing a torn Achilles.
Paige Spiranac plays the 17th green during the Creator Classic at the Philly Cricket Club prior to the Truist Championship at The Philadelphia Cricket Club (Wissahickon Course) on May 7, 2025 in Flourtown Philadelphia. (Ben Jared/PGA Tour via Getty Images)
While Woods was reportedly trying to get in shape to play in the Masters tournament, his statement confirmed that he will not be joining this year’s field. Woods also signed up for the US Senior Open, according to TGL teammate Kevin Kisner, which is scheduled for early July.
Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley also confirmed that Woods will not be at The Masters next week.
