Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Read more
Tiger Woods faces an uncertain future in golf following a rollover car crash in Florida last week.
The 15-time major winner was released on bail, following his arrest and charge for driving under the influence.
The incident and his uncertain condition have cast doubt on his appearance of any kind at Augusta for next week’s Masters.
Woods had been trending towards a potential playing appearance, or the 50-year-old could have been present to observe Rory McIlroy defend his green jacket in the first men’s major of the season.
So what do we know about Woods’ immediate future, his playing capacity and potential to play or attend the Masters, which begins on 9 April:
What happened to Tiger Woods and how did the car crash happen?
Woods was involved in a rollover car crash on Friday, 27 March. He was arrested for driving under the influence but was later released on bail.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office said the incident took place on Jupiter Island, in the same town where 50-year-old Woods lives, just after 2pm local time.
Woods was assessed by Drug Recognition Experts on the scene and after it was determined that he was “impaired”, he was taken to the county jail for testing.
What is Woods’ condition, and can he play golf right now?
It was confirmed that Woods suffered no injuries in the crash, although Sheriff John Budensiek reiterated that the incident “could’ve been a lot worse”.
It came just days after Woods had taken part in the TGL finals, a virtual golf league he co-founded with Rory McIlroy, with the American seen hitting a driver at full speed and reaching more than 300 yards in distance.
Woods last played in a professional tournament in The Open at Royal Troon in 2024, but has since been contending with another back surgery, with his latest treatment in October replacing a disc.
While his ruptured Achilles also required an operation, casting doubt on his ability to contend with the physical test of walking two, or four, rounds of golf, particularly at a course such as Augusta National, with its rolling hills known to make for a challenging walk.
As a past Masters champion, Woods has a lifetime exemption into the tournament, meaning he can take up the option at late notice to play
When could Woods play golf again?
Should The Masters prove too soon, both physically and with the risk of overshadowing men’s golf’s first major since the car crash, Woods has the option of featuring in the US Senior Open later this year at Scioto Country Club on 2 July.
The USGA released the names of the 11 past champions, who are exempt for the championship, but Woods was not present, but the USGA did tell Golf Digest: “Tiger has entered the championship, simply to ensure eligibility, but will not make a decision about playing until a later date.”
The PGA Championship at Aronimink, Pennsylvania takes place on 14-17 May, while the US Open at Shinnecock Hills follows on 18-21 June, with the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale on 16-19 July.
Tiger Woods hasn’t played in a full professional tournament since the Open in 2024 (PA)
Woods hosted the Genesis Invitational tournament last month (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
What has Woods said about his condition and desire to play competitive golf again?
Before the car crash, Woods had been vocal about his improving condition and potential to return to men’s professional golf.
“It was fine physically,” Woods said, having featured in the TGL finals. “I had a couple of drives I had to hit and a couple of putts… it was a lot of fun to be a part of it.
“We got our a*** kicked at the end. Three eagles in a row, we didn’t respond. I missed a short one to kind of get it started and give them momentum and we never got it back.
“I’m frustrated that we didn’t get it done, we had opportunities like last night – we should have won that match – and they steam-rolled us at the end.”