Tiger Woods’ expected return to competitive golf has been delayed again after a difficult few months away from the PGA Tour.
The 15-time major champion has remained out of the public spotlight since his March DUI arrest in Jupiter Island, Florida, and uncertainty continues surrounding when he will return to golf. Woods had initially hoped to make his comeback from injury at the Masters earlier this year before those plans changed following the incident.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods said in a statement after the arrest. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health.”
Woods added: “I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally.”
Tiger Woods Will Miss PGA Championship At Aronimink
GettyTiger Woods of the United States
Tiger Woods will not play in this week’s PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania as he continues stepping away from golf following the March arrest.
The second major championship of the season begins Thursday, but Woods remains absent from the PGA Tour while focusing on treatment and recovery.
Woods faces misdemeanor charges that include DUI, refusal to submit to a lawful test, and distracted driving. He pleaded not guilty and requested a jury trial.
According to ESPN, Woods entered a treatment program in Switzerland following the arrest. TMZ reported that Woods’ private jet flew from Zurich to Florida this week, and Woods was on board.
Woods’s attorney, Douglas Duncan, previously requested permission from the court for Woods to seek treatment outside the United States.
Duncan said the recommendation came from Woods’ physician because of “the urgent need for a level of care that cannot safely or effectively be done within the United States.”
The PGA Tour also publicly supported Woods following the incident.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said, “Tiger Woods is one of the most influential figures the sports world has ever known.”
Rolapp added: “My thoughts are with him and his family as he takes this step, for which he has my full respect and support.”
Woods last played in a competitive tournament at The Open Championship in July 2024. He also participated in TGL events earlier this year before stepping away from golf.
Tiger Woods Still Receives Support Around PGA Tour
GettyTiger Woods of the United States
Despite remaining away from competition, Woods continues to receive support from several figures around the PGA Tour and Team USA.
U.S. Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk recently confirmed that Woods could still have a future role with the American team despite his absence from golf.
“We haven’t spoken yet. I think, out of kind of courtesy for him and his family and I know maybe a road to health, I haven’t reached out, but I will,” Furyk said ahead of the PGA Championship.
“Definitely. We’ll see where that role may fall,” Furyk added when asked whether the offer still stood. “I will say I enjoyed serving — I use that word serving — as a vice-captain with him a number of times. I think he brought a lot to the team room and a lot of knowledge and a lot of experience.”
Woods previously withdrew from consideration for a leadership role with the United States Ryder Cup team in 2027.
His absence removes one of the most recognizable players in golf from the PGA Championship field that includes Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and Jon Rahm.
Woods owns four PGA Championship victories, winning the event in 1999, 2000, 2006, and 2007. His most recent major title came at the 2019 Masters.
For now, questions remain about when Woods will return to competitive golf as he continues to focus on recovery away from the sport.
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