Tiger Woods withdraws from Masters Tournament amid health and legal battles

Tiger Woods will miss next week's Masters Tournament at Augusta as he focuses on his health. The decision comes after his recent DUI arrest, which has drawn both legal attention and public support from fellow golfers.

Woods was arrested last week after police found two hydrocodone pills in his possession. This marks his second DUI charge, following a 2017 incident where multiple drugs were detected in his system. He has since pleaded not guilty and hired lawyer Douglas Duncan to handle his case.

The golfer has a long history with prescription drug struggles, having attended rehab in 2017. His latest arrest follows two prior car crashes, raising further concerns about his well-being. Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament have publicly backed his choice to step away from competition. Paige Spiranac, a prominent figure in golf, has also voiced her support for Woods during this time. Instead of competing, he is now prioritising recovery and seeking professional help.

Woods' absence from the Masters leaves a notable gap in the tournament. His legal proceedings continue, with a not-guilty plea already filed. For now, his focus remains on health and recovery rather than returning to the course.