Is Tiger Woods playing in the Masters after crash and DUI arrest?

Is Tiger Woods playing in the Masters after crash and DUI arrest?

The biggest event on the golf schedule is around the corner, but don't expect to see Tiger Woods teeing it up at the Masters.

The five-time winner of the green jacket was involved in a car crash March 27 near his home on Jupiter Island, Florida. While the 50-year-old golf legend was not injured, Woods was arrested and charged with suspicion of DUI and refusing to submit to a drug test. His arrest affidavit showed he had hydrocodone pills in his pocket, and Martin County sheriff's officials at the scene said he appeared intoxicated.

Woods has battled back injuries dating back more than 10 years and missed the entire 2025 PGA Tour season with a ruptured Achilles and disc-replacement surgery. He had previously expressed hope that he could return to play the Masters, which begins April 9, though President Donald Trump had already said that wasn't happening (his opinion carries weight considering Woods is dating his ex-daughter-in-law, Vanessa Trump).

A vehicle carrying Tiger Woods leaves the Martin County Jail after he was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after a car crash on March 27, 2026 in Stuart, Florida.

A vehicle carrying Tiger Woods leaves the Martin County Jail after he was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after a car crash on March 27, 2026 in Stuart, Florida.

A vehicle carrying Tiger Woods leaves the Martin County Jail after he was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after a car crash on March 27, 2026 in Stuart, Florida.

Tiger Woods' mug shot release by the Martin County Sheriff's Office on March 27, 2026.

Tiger Woods rollover crash on Jupiter Island on March 27, 2026. The crash occurred just after 2 p.m. in the 200 block of Beach Road.

Tiger Woods rollover crash on Jupiter Island on March 27, 2026. The crash occurred just after 2 p.m. in the 200 block of Beach Road.

Tiger Woods rollover crash on Jupiter Island on March 27, 2026. The crash occurred just after 2 p.m. in the 200 block of Beach Road.

Tiger Woods rollover crash on Jupiter Island on March 27, 2026. The crash occurred just after 2 p.m. in the 200 block of Beach Road.

Tiger Woods rollover crash on Jupiter Island on March 27, 2026. The crash occurred just after 2 p.m. in the 200 block of Beach Road.

Tiger Woods rollover crash on Jupiter Island on March 27, 2026. The crash occurred just after 2 p.m. in the 200 block of Beach Road.

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See photos of Tiger Woods arrested for DUI after crash in Florida

A vehicle carrying Tiger Woods leaves the Martin County Jail after he was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after a car crash on March 27, 2026 in Stuart, Florida.

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See photos of Tiger Woods arrested for DUI after crash in Florida

A vehicle carrying Tiger Woods leaves the Martin County Jail after he was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after a car crash on March 27, 2026 in Stuart, Florida.

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See photos of Tiger Woods arrested for DUI after crash in Florida

A vehicle carrying Tiger Woods leaves the Martin County Jail after he was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after a car crash on March 27, 2026 in Stuart, Florida.

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See photos of Tiger Woods arrested for DUI after crash in Florida

A vehicle carrying Tiger Woods leaves the Martin County Jail after he was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after a car crash on March 27, 2026 in Stuart, Florida.

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See photos of Tiger Woods arrested for DUI after crash in Florida

Tiger Woods' mug shot release by the Martin County Sheriff's Office on March 27, 2026.

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See photos of Tiger Woods arrested for DUI after crash in Florida

Tiger Woods rollover crash on Jupiter Island on March 27, 2026. The crash occurred just after 2 p.m. in the 200 block of Beach Road.

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See photos of Tiger Woods arrested for DUI after crash in Florida

Tiger Woods rollover crash on Jupiter Island on March 27, 2026. The crash occurred just after 2 p.m. in the 200 block of Beach Road.

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See photos of Tiger Woods arrested for DUI after crash in Florida

Tiger Woods rollover crash on Jupiter Island on March 27, 2026. The crash occurred just after 2 p.m. in the 200 block of Beach Road.

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See photos of Tiger Woods arrested for DUI after crash in Florida

Tiger Woods rollover crash on Jupiter Island on March 27, 2026. The crash occurred just after 2 p.m. in the 200 block of Beach Road.

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See photos of Tiger Woods arrested for DUI after crash in Florida

Tiger Woods rollover crash on Jupiter Island on March 27, 2026. The crash occurred just after 2 p.m. in the 200 block of Beach Road.

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See photos of Tiger Woods arrested for DUI after crash in Florida

Tiger Woods rollover crash on Jupiter Island on March 27, 2026. The crash occurred just after 2 p.m. in the 200 block of Beach Road.

That became definite after last week's crash, Woods' third recorded accident and his second DUI arrest since 2009. Woods announced March 31 that he would step away from golf for an undetermined period of time, calling it "necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery."

Is Tiger Woods playing in the Masters?

No. Woods posted on social media on March 31 that he was "stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health."

"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," the post read.

Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, said in a statement on March 31 the tournament and golf club "fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being. Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt in Augusta."

He had said there was a chance he could play before his crash and arrest March 27. The 50-year-old has been recovering from surgeries to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon in March 2025 and replace Lisfranc discs in his back in October. President Donald Trump said on a Fox News show March 26 that Woods would not play the Masters. The words hold some weight considering Trump's close ties to Woods, including the fact that the golf star is dating Vanessa Trump, the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr.

Tiger Woods crash update

According to an arrest affidavit filed by the Martin County Sheriff's Office, Woods was "sweating profusely" when speaking with officers on the scene of his crash about 2 p.m. Friday, March 27 in Jupiter Island. He told officials he had been looking down at his phone and changing the radio and didn't notice a Ford F-150 carrying a trailer had slowed down to turn ahead of him on South Beach Road. Woods swerved into the other lane facing oncoming traffic to avoid a collision, struck the rear fender of the trailer, "lost control and flipped on the driver's side," according to the affidavit.

No injuries were reported in the crash, though officials on the scene described Woods as “lethargic and slow,” that he had difficulty following instructions during a field sobriety test and that his eyes were bloodshot with “extremely dilated” pupils. Woods was arrested and taken to Martin County Jail, where agreed to take a breathalyzer test and had no alcohol in his system, but refused to take a urine test to test for chemical substances. He was released after 11 p.m. that night.

Woods waived arraignment and entered a plea of not guilty for his DUI charges, according to paperwork filed by his attorney, Douglas Duncan. He is requesting a jury trial.

How many Masters has Tiger Woods won?

Tiger Woods has won five green jackets throughout his career, one ahead of the legendary Arnold Palmer. He is one title short of the record held by Jack Nicklaus, who won six Masters Tournaments between 1963 and 1986. Woods also trails Nicklaus in career major victories (18-15).

When did Tiger Woods last play on PGA Tour?

Woods last played in a competitive golf tournament on July 19, 2024, when he missed the cut at the British Open. In his most recent Masters appearance that year, he made his record 24th consecutive cut at Augusta en route to finishing 60th at 16 over par.

Woods last played competitive golf in the finals of TGL, the indoor tech-infused team golf league near his home in Palm Beach County.

When is the Masters 2026?

• Dates: April 9-12
• TV channel: Prime Video and ESPN (Rounds 1-2) | CBS (Rounds 3-4)
• Live streaming: Fubo (free trial) | Masters.com and Masters app

Rounds 1 and 2 of the 2026 Masters Tournament broadcast nationally on Amazon Prime starting at 1 p.m. before switching to ESPN at 3 p.m. April 9-10. Rounds 3 and 4 will air on CBS starting at 2 p.m. April 11-12. Streaming options include Fubo, which carries both ESPN and CBS and offers a free trial for new subscribers.

Tom D'Angelo of the Palm Beach Post and Will Greenlee of TCPalm contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Will Tiger Woods play in Masters 2026? Updates after car crash, arrest