NEED TO KNOW
-
Tiger Woods hopes to return to golf after seeking treatment following his recent DUI arrest.
-
A source tells PEOPLE exclusively that the athlete “knows he needs to overcome his issues and also deal with the pain of not only playing golf but also his regular exercise program.”
-
Woods was arrested after crashing his Range Rover on a two-lane highway near his home in Jupiter Island, Florida, on March 27.
Tiger Woods hopes to return to golf after seeking treatment following his recent DUI arrest, a source tells PEOPLE exclusively.
According to a golf expert, Woods, 50, “desperately” wants to return to the sport, and that motivates him to continue with his treatment. Days after his arrest on March 27, the athlete announced in a statement posted to X that he would be “stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment” and focus on his health.
Advertisement
“This is necessary so that I can prioritize my well-being and work toward a lasting recovery,” he said at the time.
Now, the source says Woods is doing what he needs to do to feel good both physically and mentally.
“He knows he needs to get over his issues and also deal with the pain not only from playing golf but also from his regular exercise program,” the source explains. “The people around him support him, both personally and professionally. All of this helps him deal with this enough to get through it.”
Tiger Woods seen on police body camera footage after his DUI arrest on March 27.
Credit: Martin County Sheriff’s Office
Another source tells PEOPLE that Woods “still has golf in him,” including possible Masters or other tournaments, but things have become “more difficult” due to injuries and his age.
Advertisement
“He just wants to improve in all areas of his life,” says the source.
A representative for Woods did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Woods was arrested after crashing his Range Rover on a two-lane highway near his home in Jupiter Island, Florida, on March 27.
Authorities said they found two hydrocodone pills in his pants pocket and, after performing a field sobriety test on Woods, “observed several signs of impairment,” including “red and glassy” eyes and “extremely dilated” pupils, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by PEOPLE.
Tiger Woods stands next to his overturned vehicle on Jupiter Island, Florida.
Credit: AP Photo/Jason Oteri
In body camera video from Martin County sheriff’s deputies, obtained by PEOPLE, Woods asked, “Are you arresting me?” while being handcuffed, to which a police officer told him, “At this point, I believe your normal faculties are impaired.”
Advertisement
On the way to the Martin County Jail, Woods, wrapped in a blanket, spent most of the trip with hiccups. At certain points, he grimaced, leaned his head back and closed his eyes, as seen in the body camera video.
Authorities said Woods did not consume alcohol and “received triple zeros” on a breathalyzer test. But he allegedly refused to take a urine test and authorities believe he “was not impaired by alcohol, but possibly by medication or another substance.”
Never miss a story: sign up PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Four days after his arrest, on March 31, Woods broke his silence about the incident with his statement about seeking treatment.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” he said.
Advertisement
“I am committed to taking the time necessary to return to a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally,” Woods added. “I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”
Read the original article on People