Tiger Woods Gets Judge Approval to Leave U.S. for Treatment Due to 'Privacy' Concerns
Tiger Woods Gets Judge Approval to Leave U.S. for Treatment Due to 'Privacy' Concerns
Natasha Dye, Sean MandellWed, April 1, 2026 at 8:28 PM UTC
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Tiger Woods on Feb. 14, 2024 in CaliforniaCredit: Harry How/Getty -
A Florida judge has granted Tiger Woods permission to leave the United States as he seeks treatment following his DUI charge
Woods' lawyer requested the motion, citing "privacy" concerns for the pro golfer
Woods will undergo inpatient treatment in an "intensive highly individualized and medically integrated program" outside of the U.S, according to the filing
Tiger Woods has been granted permission to travel out of the country as he seeks treatment following his car crash and DUI charge.
A Florida judge granted Woods, 50, permission to leave the state to undergo treatment outside of the United States, according to court documents obtained and reviewed by PEOPLE on Wednesday, April 1.
Woods' treating physician recommended he seek treatment at a facility out of the country "based upon the Defendant's complex clinical presentation the urgent need for a level of care that cannot safely or effectively be done within the United States," per the documents.
Tiger Woods on Feb. 16, 2024 in CaliforniaCredit: Sean M. Haffey/Getty
The request to leave the country for treatment was also made due to concerns that the golfer's "privacy has been repeatedly compromised,"
"Ongoing medical scrutiny and public exposure create significant barriers to his care and would result in setbacks and an inability to fully engage in treatment," Woods' lawyer, Douglas Duncan, argued in the filing.
"Based upon Defendant's treating physician's opinions, inpatient treatment at the out of country treatment facility is medically necessary due to the Defendant's complexity, and need for an intensive highly individualized and medically integrated program," the documents said.
Woods will have no restrictions on travel as he faces the DUI charge and a charge for refusal to submit to a urine test, both of which he plead not guilty to on March 31, according to the documents.
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The out of country treatment facility will "provide continuous monitoring and the ability to rapidly adjust treatment interventions in a highly controlled environment" for Woods, his lawyer said in the filing.
Tiger Woods on Feb. 18, 2025 in FloridaCredit: Megan Briggs/TGL/TGL via Getty
The golfer broke his silence on the March 27 rollover car crash in a post on social media on March 31, in which he said he would be seeking treatment.
"I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today," he said on X.
"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," Woods continued. "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."
Sheriff John M. Budensiek alleged in a press conference after the accident that Woods appeared "lethargic" and had "signs of impairment" while speaking with officers after the crash. Woods blew "triple zeros" on a breathalyzer test, but he allegedly refused a urinalysis, and authorities believe he was "not impaired by alcohol but possibly by medication or another substance."
A probable cause affidavit, obtained by PEOPLE on March 31, also revealed that Woods was in possession of two opioid pills at the time of his arrest.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
