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Bodycam footage of Tiger Woods’ DUI arrest in Jupiter Island, Florida, last Friday showed the 15-time major winner saying he was “hoping to” play in this year’s Masters.
As Woods was sitting in a police vehicle, an officer was talking golf with him, mentioning a putter Woods said he won “14 majors” with.
Then, the officer asked Woods if he planned on playing in the Masters, and he responded, “Hoping to.”
Someone associated with Woods walked up to the group talking and added, “Depends on y’all.”
Woods won’t be playing at Augusta National Golf Club next week for the first major of the season, which Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley confirmed earlier this week after the rollover crash and arrest of the five-time green jacket winner.
“Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being,” Ridley said in a statement. “Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta.”
TIGER WOODS’ TEAMMATE CALLS GOLFER’S DUI ARREST ‘VERY DISTURBING’
There was a chance Woods was trying to play in the Masters, and he clearly had that mindset before his crash.
Woods put out a statement, announcing he is stepping away from golf to “seek treatment” after his DUI arrest, which resulted in charges of driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a blood alcohol level (BAL) test after law enforcement said his vehicle collided with another while he drove impaired.
Woods released the statement after entering a plea of not guilty, waiving his right to an arraignment and demanding a trial with a jury Tuesday.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods said in a statement posted on social media.
“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 found with prescription opioids in his pocket, which the bodycam footage showed. Deputies with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office reported observing several signs of impairment after the crash. They noted Woods was “sweating profusely,” his movements appeared “lethargic and slow” and his eyes were “bloodshot and glassy” and “extremely dilated” after he removed his sunglasses.
Deputies conducted field sobriety tests with Woods as he sat on the bumper of a car, and one deputy had her finger in the air as Woods, while hiccupping, tried to follow with his eyes.
This arrest marked Woods’ second DUI arrest within the last decade. In 2017, he was taken into custody, also in Jupiter Island, after taking prescription drugs and falling asleep behind the wheel of a running car at 3 a.m.
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Woods was also involved in a 2021 rollover crash that resulted in serious leg injuries and emergency surgeries, which is what he was alluding to during the field sobriety tests.
Woods also signed up for the U.S. Senior Open, according to The Golf League teammate Kevin Kisner, which is scheduled for early July.
Fox News’ Ryan Morik, Paulina Dedaj and Julia Bonavita contributed to this report.
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