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Fifteen-time major champion Tiger Woods was attempting to play in the Masters Tournament prior to his DUI arrest last Friday (March 27), according to bodycam footage of the incident viewed by the New York Post.
An officer at the scene of a crash involving Woods' Range Rover SUV that resulted in his arrest asked the five-time Masters champion if he intended to play in the tournament, which is set to begin next Thursday (April 9).
"I'm hoping to," Woods said.
A worker towing Woods' car in the background of the video footage then jokingly said to police, "That depends on y'all," to which an officer responded, "Don't depend on me." Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley confirmed that Woods won't attend the Masters Tournament in any capacity after the legendary golfer announced that he's "stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health" in his first public statement since his arrest.
"Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament 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 here in Augusta," Ridley said on Tuesday (March 31).
Woods, 50, broke his silence on his arrest in a statement shared on his social media accounts earlier in the day.
"I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today," Woods said. "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 was charged with driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test last week. The golf legend reportedly told police that he was looking down at his cell phone and changing the radio station, claiming it caused him to not see a truck that he crashed into prior to his arrest, according to Martin County Sheriff's deputy Tatiana Levenar in an arrest affidavit obtained by ESPN.
Woods was reportedly "sweating profusely" and was moving in a "lethargic and slow" way when responding officers spoke to him at the scene. The legendary golfer appeared to look dazed in the photo in his mugshot from Martin County Jail.
Woods reportedly attempted to pass a truck pulling a trailer at a high rate of speed and swiped the trailer, resulting in his vehicle rolling on its side. Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said Woods showed signs of impairment and DUI investigators conducted several tests at the seen.
Woods was arrested and taken to the Martin County Jail, where he took a breathalyzer test that confirmed he wasn't under the influence of alcohol, but refused a urinalysis test, which resulted in the charges. Both Woods and the driver of the truck pulling the trailer were uninjured in the crash.
Woods, who recently made his official return to competitive golf in the TGL Final last week, had previously suffered open fractures to both his tibia and fibula bones following a single-vehicle accident in 2021. Woods, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential golfers of all-time ranks second all-time behind only Nicklaus (18) in career majors and has 82 PGA Tour victories, tied with Sam Snead for the most all-time.