Tiger Woods was granted permission by a Florida judge to leave the US following his car crash in Jupiter Island on Friday, March 27. The 50-year-old golf star was charged with a DUI and refusal to submit to a urine test following the crash, as police who attended the scene described his behavior as "lethargic" and showing "signs of impairment".
He was found with two white pills in his pocket, which were later identified as hydrocodone, a strong painkiller and highly addictive opioid used to treat severe chronic pain.
According to court documents, Tiger's attorney, Douglas Duncan, wrote that "based upon the defendant's treating physician, the out of country treatment facility recommendation is based upon the defendant's complex clinical presentation and the urgent need for a level of care that cannot safely or effectively be done within the United States, as his privacy has been repeatedly compromised".
© Martin County Sheriff's Office"Ongoing medical scrutiny and public exposure create significant barriers to his care and would result in setbacks and an inability to fully engage in treatment," he added.
"Based upon Defendant's treating physician's opinions, inpatient treatment at the out-of-country treatment facility is medically necessary due to the Defendant's complexity, and need for an intensive, highly individualized and medically integrated program," the documents read.
The facility in question will "provide continuous monitoring and the ability to rapidly adjust treatment interventions in a highly controlled environment".
© Getty ImagesTiger issued a statement via X on March 31, sharing that he was taking time away from golf and his other duties to focus on recovery. "I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today," he wrote.
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"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."
© Getty ImagesTiger, who shares kids Sam and Charlie with his ex-wife, Elin Nordegren, has undergone several surgeries throughout his golfing career, particularly in recent years following a near-fatal car crash in 2021 that damaged his leg and ankle. He has also had multiple surgeries on his back, including an L4-L5 lumbar disc replacement.
© Getty ImagesThe 15-time major winner turned down the captaincy for the 2027 Ryder Cup following Friday's incident, as the PGA revealed in a statement.
"We commend Tiger for prioritizing his long-term health and deeply respect the courage it takes to make such a personal decision," the statement read. "Tiger has shared with us that he will not serve as captain of the 2027 US Ryder Cup team, and we support his decision. The PGA of America will share further updates regarding the Ryder Cup captaincy when appropriate."
