Tiger Woods got back into controversy as he flipped his Land Rover over. It led to an arrest based on DUI, property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test, even after getting a zero on the breathalyzer. The golfer rehired his 2017 attorney, Douglas Duncan, who helped him remove the charge of DUI back then. With the latest update coming, Woods’s urgent legal decision just makes so much more sense.

Duncan released a motion that read, “Based upon the Defendant’s treating physician, the out-of-country treatment facility recommendation is based upon the Defendant’s complex clinical presentation and the urgent need for a level of care that cannot safely or effectively be done within the United States, as his privacy has been repeatedly compromised,” he noted. “Ongoing medical scrutiny and public exposure create significant barriers to his care and would result in setbacks and an inability to fully engage in treatment.”

Taking the motion into consideration, the county judge, Darren Steele, approved the request to let Tiger Woods travel abroad for treatment one time. Woods’s attorney also sought approval to maintain complete ethical transparency. Duncan argued that continued public exposure could likely interfere with the medical care and cause setbacks in Woods’s treatment. However, the medical center would offer continuous monitoring and a controlled environment for the 15x major champion. 

Last Friday, Woods even had to pay a $1,150 bond while being released from the Martin County jail. And the authorities didn’t really issue a travel restriction back then. 

While the latest development offers Woods some relief, it also echoes a familiar pattern in his past. Back in 2017, the golf legend was arrested under similar circumstances. He later attributed the incident to prescription medication interactions and pleaded not guilty to DUI. And in 2021, he was involved in yet another rollover accident that severely damaged his leg. 

Now, he was found with hydrocodone, an opioid analgesic that helps in treating chronic pain but has adverse effects like dizziness, tiredness, and loss of consciousness. It also has a pretty high risk of addiction. That’s likely the reason he was sweating profusely and moving lethargically and slowly while being arrested. 

The 50-year-old has been suffering from lingering back issues for decades. In March 2025, he ruptured his left Achilles tendon. And later in October, he underwent surgery to replace a lumbar disc and treat a collapsed disc. This pushed him out of competition for the entirety of 2025. He was getting ready to swing at the Masters Tournament and was on his way to recovery. But the accident likely worsened his condition, forcing him to opt for treatment abroad. 

Well, these recent developments have pushed Tiger Woods away from the 2026 Masters Tournament and even the 2027 Ryder Cup captaincy talks.

Tiger Woods takes a step back from golf to focus on his treatment

Four days after his arrest, Woods released a statement that said, “I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.”

“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return to 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 majority of the golf world stood in support of the 82x PGA Tour winner’s decision, such as the PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. It means that Woods won’t be there at Augusta National. He would also miss meetings as the head of the tour’s Future Competitions Committee. He has also refused to captain the American Ryder Cup team in 2027 at Adore Manor.

With multiple past incidents and growing legal pressure, Woods’ decision to step away and seek treatment abroad may prove to be a defining moment. The entire world is backing the golfer up and eagerly waiting for some positive improvements in his case.