Tiger Woods finally makes right decision by stepping away | Golf Insider
Golf should no longer be the No. 1 priority for the great Tiger Woods.
Sadly, it took this long for the 15-time major winner to come to that realization.
On Friday, Woods was involved in a car accident in Jupiter, Fla., which resulted in him being arrested on three misdemeanor charges, including suspicion of DUI. He has pleaded not guilty and has been released.
The arrest affidavit reportedly stated Woods’ eyes were bloodshot and glassy, he was sweating profusely, and he was lethargic and slow. The officers also reported they found two hydrocodone pills in his pants pocket.
As another off-course incident hit Woods, many questions and some questionable takes were abound. Like his 2009 scandal, his 2017 DUI arrest, or his 2021 car accident, nobody knew exactly what was going on.
On Tuesday, Woods finally made the right decision.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods said in a statement. “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.”
Woods is the most important person in golf for the last 30 years and it could be argued the most important ever. His status within the game is legendary and the game is his life. He is always fighting to get back on the course.
But at what cost? He is clearly putting himself and others in danger, especially when he gets behind the wheel. Woods has officially withdrawn from The Masters. Anyone who saw him at TGL struggling to walk and not looking like himself knew it was a far-fetched idea for him to play at Augusta.
“Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being,” Masters chairman Fred Ridley said in a statement. “Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta.”
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp has been working with Woods directly to reshape the PGA Tour for the coming years. He was also the PGA of America’s first choice to be the next U.S. Ryder Cup captain for 2027.
“Tiger Woods is one of the most influential figures the sports world has ever known. … My thoughts are with him and his family as he takes this step,” Rolapp said in a statement.
Those responsibilities are on hold as Woods’ main focus has shifted. He is in chronic pain and clearly needs medication to get himself through the day. All the surgeries and a broken body have taken their toll on the 50-year-old.
And he seems to be taking the first step to getting help and taking some accountability with his recent statement.
Golf will always be there for Woods. But he doesn’t need golf now, and golf doesn’t need him. The game is in a great spot, but it has become evident that Woods is not.
Family and his health are now No. 1. And it’s not about the next time we see Woods on the course anymore. It’s about Woods being in a better state and getting healthy.
Colorado Christian men win in Pueblo
Colorado Christian closed the regular season with a bang.
Led by an individual title from Peyton Jones, the Cougars claimed their first victory of the season at the Sam Proal Invitational at Pueblo Country Club.
The Cougars finished 11-under as a team, eight shots clear of host CSU-Pueblo. The field consisted of six nationally ranked teams including the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference’s CSU-Pueblo (No. 13) and Colorado Mesa (No. 15).
Colorado Christian, which is ranked No. 31, won the 2024 national championship and finished runner-up in 2025. The Cougars head to the RMAC Championships at Boulder Creek Golf Club in Nevada, where they are in search of their third straight conference title. The tournament is April 19-21.
What they’re saying
“It was always ‘a when’ not ‘an if’ @GaryWoodland, so proud of everything for you and the family – a huge inspiration to us all!! Congratulations”
- Tommy Fleetwood on X after Gary Woodland’s win at the Houston Open
Skins game
Odds to win Valero Texas Open
Ludvig Aberg +1500
Tommy Fleetwood +1500
Russell Henley +1600
Jordan Spieth +1800
Robert MacIntyre +2000
Sepp Straka +2200
This week in golf
PGA Tour
Valero Texas Open
Site: San Antonio.
Course: TPC San Antonio (Oaks). Yardage: 7,438. Par: 72.
Prize money: $9.8 million. Winner’s share: $1.764 million.
Television: Thursday-Friday, 2-5 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (Golf), 1-4 p.m. (NBC); Sunday, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Golf), 12:30-4 p.m. (NBC).
Defending champion: Brian Harman.
LPGA Tour
Aramco Championship
Site: North Las Vegas, Nev.
Course: Shadow Creek GC. Yardage: 6,765. Par: 72.
Prize money: $4 million. Winner’s share: $600,000.
Television: Thursday-Friday, 4-5 p.m. (Golf Channel app), 5-8 p.m. (Golf); Saturday-Sunday, 3-7 p.m. (Golf).
Defending champion: New tournament.
Korn Ferry Tour
Lecom Suncoast Classic
Site: Lakewood Ranch, Fla.
Course: Lakewood National GC. Yardage: 7,133. Par: 71.
Prize money: $1 million. Winner’s share: $180,000.
Television: None.
Previous winner: Neal Shipley.
Augusta National GC
Augusta National Women’s Amateur
Site: Augusta, Ga.
Course: Champions Retreat and Augusta National GC.
Television: Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (Golf); Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (NBC).
Defending champion: Carla Bernat.
World Golf Rankings
- Scottie Scheffler 15.41
- Rory McIlroy 8.06
- Cameron Young 5.36
- Tommy Fleetwood 5.21
- Matt Fitzpatrick 4.92
- Xander Schauffele 4.83
- Justin Rose 4.80
- Collin Morikawa 4.74
- Chris Gotterup 4.67
- Russell Henley 4.56
- Robert MacIntyre 4.44
- Sepp Straka 4.32
- J.J. Spaun 4.07
- Hideki Matsuyama 3.97
- Justin Thomas 3.94
- Ben Griffin 3.89
- Jacob Bridgeman 3.63
- Ludvig Aberg 3.56
- Alex Noren 3.48
- Akshay Bhatia 3.43
- Harris English 3.42
- Viktor Hovland 3.40
- Patrick Reed 3.33
- Bryson DeChambeau 3.24
- Min Woo Lee 3.06