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Tiger Woods was granted permission to travel outside the United States to begin the treatment he said he would seek after his DUI arrest Friday in Jupiter Island, Fla.
Woods’ attorney, Douglas N. Duncan, filed a motion for permission to leave the country, which was granted by Judge Darren Steele.
“Based on the defendant’s treating physician, the out-of-state treatment facility recommendation is based on the defendant’s complex clinical presentation and the urgent need for a level of care that cannot be safely or effectively provided in the United States as his privacy has been repeatedly compromised,” court documents obtained by Pakinomist Digital state.
“Ongoing medical examination and public exposure create significant barriers to his care and would result in setbacks and an inability to fully engage in treatment.”
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Golfer Tiger Woods stands by his overturned vehicle in Jupiter Island, Fla., Friday, March 27, 2026. (Jason Oteri/AP)
It is unknown where exactly Woods would travel to receive treatment, although the court documents included “the treatment facility will provide continuous monitoring and the ability to rapidly adjust treatment interventions in a highly controlled environment.”
Woods announced he would step away from golf to seek treatment “and focus on my health” following his DUI arrest following a crash.
“I know and understand the gravity of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods said in a statement on social media.
TIGER WOODS’ CRASH VICTIM PLAYED SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN GETTING GOLF STAR OUT OF WRONG CAR: AFFIDAVIT
“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.
“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 released the statement Tuesday after entering a plea of not guilty, waiving his right to a prosecution and demanding a jury trial. He 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.
Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links Golf Club waves to fans as he is introduced at the start of a match in the TMRW Golf League against Boston Common Golf on January 27, 2025 in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
After Woods was arrested at the scene of the crash, where law enforcement noted he was “sweating profusely” in an arrest affidavit obtained by Pakinomist Digital, he was found to have “two white pills” inside a pants pocket. They were later identified as hydrocodone, a prescription opioid pain reliever.
Woods submitted to a Breathalyzer test after being booked into the Martin County Jail, clearing a 0.00 result on both tests. However, he refused to provide a urine sample, resulting in another charge.
It’s 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 had 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.
Tiger Woods was arrested on a DUI charge after a crash in Florida on March 27, 2006. (AP/Martin County Sheriff’s Office)
There was a chance that Woods would appear at the Masters tournament next week, but Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley confirmed that Woods would not be in the field for the first major in 2026.
Woods’ TGL teammate, Kevin Kisner, also recently noted that Woods signed up for the US Senior Open, which starts in early July.
