Tiger Woods not competing in Masters after DUI arrest

NEW YORK — Tiger Woods will not pursue a sixth green jacket following last week’s DUI arrest in Florida. Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Fred Ridley confirmed the once-unstoppable golfer with not participate in the Masters tournament when it gets underway Monday in Georgia. “Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being,” Ridley said in a Tuesday statement.

“Although Tiger will not be joining us next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta. ” The embattled golfer announced on Monday that he’s “stepping away for a period of time” to seek help. Police in Florida said they found two painkillers in the 50-year-old golfer’s pockets Friday when he was taken into custody after hitting the back of a trailer being pulled by a work vehicle.

Woods wasn’t injured when his SUV flipped, though authorities said Woods’ eyes were bloodshot and described his movements as lethargic during questioning. Woods won the Masters Tournament in 1997, 2001, 2002, 2005 and 2019. He said prior to his crash that he planned to be in Augusta He told reporters last week that he’d participate in the tournament if his aging body was willing.

Otherwise he planned to stand among the fans. “I’m going to be there either way,” Woods told reporters last week. The Presidential Medal of Freedom winner indicated in a statement released Monday that his plans had changed.