Tiger Woods, the five-time Masters Tournament champion, will be absent from this year's Masters Tournament and the associated annual champions' dinner following his recent arrest on charges of driving under the influence (DUI) in Jupiter Island, Florida. The news marks a significant moment for the golf world, as Woods had expressed his hopes of competing in the prestigious tournament prior to his arrest.
The incident occurred on March 27, when law enforcement officers from the Martin County Sheriff's Office responded to a collision involving Woods' vehicle and another car. Deputies reported several signs that indicated Woods might have been impaired at the time of the accident. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital, officers observed Woods "sweating profusely" and moving in a manner described as "lethargic and slow." After administering field sobriety tests, authorities arrested Woods on DUI charges, including property damage and refusal to submit to a blood alcohol level test. During a search, deputies found two white pills in Woods' left-side pant pocket, which were later identified as hydrocodone, a prescription opioid used for pain relief.
Following the arrest, Woods pleaded not guilty to the DUI charges. Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Fred Ridley released a statement confirming that Woods would not participate in the Masters Tournament this year. Ridley expressed the club's full support for Woods as he concentrates on his health and well-being. "Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta," Ridley said, emphasizing the respect and regard the club holds for the legendary golfer.
Woods' absence also means he will miss the Masters Champions Dinner, a traditional event held annually at Augusta National where past winners gather to celebrate the tournament's history and camaraderie. The dinner is notable for its specially curated menu, which this year features dishes inspired by Rory McIlroy's Northern Irish heritage and personal favorites, such as his mother's bacon-wrapped dates and yellowfin tuna carpaccio-a dish modeled after one from his preferred New York restaurant.
Rory McIlroy, a prominent golfer and one of the Masters' leading figures, addressed Woods' absence in an interview with Golf Channel. McIlroy expressed regret that Woods and Phil Mickelson, a three-time Masters champion who is also missing this year's tournament due to a personal health matter, would not be present at the dinner. "Unfortunately, there will be a couple of guys that won't be in that room, which is a shame, but I want to make sure that they're acknowledged as well," McIlroy said. He paid tribute to both Woods and Mickelson, recognizing them as two of the greatest champions in Masters history. McIlroy also expressed excitement about the upcoming dinner and the opportunity to share the evening with fellow past champions.
Woods' absence marks the second consecutive year he has missed the Masters Tournament. In March 2025, he ruptured his Achilles tendon, an injury that also prevented him from attending the Masters Champions Dinner that year. Mickelson, meanwhile, announced his withdrawal from this year's tournament and dinner last week, citing ongoing personal health challenges that he and his family are navigating.
The Masters Tournament, held annually at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, is one of the most prestigious events in professional golf. Participation and attendance by past champions are highly anticipated aspects of the tournament's tradition. Woods' DUI arrest and subsequent absence have thus reverberated throughout the golfing community, underscoring the challenges the celebrated athlete is currently facing.
The case remains ongoing, and Woods' legal team continues to address the DUI charges. Meanwhile, the golfing world looks forward to watching the Masters unfold without one of its most iconic figures. Despite his absence, Woods' legacy and influence on the sport remain substantial, and his presence will be symbolically felt at the tournament.
For fans and followers of professional golf, the Masters Tournament this year will showcase new and returning talent while also paying respect to past champions like Woods and Mickelson. Their absence is notable, but the spirit of competition and tradition that defines the Masters endures.
This report includes contributions from the Associated Press. For continuing coverage of this developing story and other sports news, readers can follow Fox News Digital's sports updates on social media platforms and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter for regular news delivered directly to their inboxes.