Masters Tournament Chairman Fred Ridley Extends Support to Tiger Woods After Golfer Announces Break From Golf

5-time Masters Tournament winner Tiger Woods will not be playing in the 2026 edition as he takes a break from golf.

Masters Tournament Chairman Fred Ridley Extends Support to Tiger Woods After Golfer Announces Break From Golf

Fred Ridley and Tiger Woods (Image via Imago)

Tiger Woods will not be playing in the 2026 Masters Tournament. On Tuesday, the golfer took to his social media account and revealed that he would be taking a break from golf. Fred Ridley, the chairman of the Masters Tournament, later extended his support to him.

The former World No.1 found himself in trouble on March 27 following a car crash. While trying to avoid a collision with a cleaner truck, he would flip over his luxury SUV. This incident was reported to have taken place around 2 p.m. near his residence in Jupiter, Florida.

Despite the golfer testing negative for alcohol consumption, he was arrested. He had refused to take part in a urinalysis and was booked under charges of DUI, refusal to submit and property damage.

The internet was left stunned after this development broke it. This took place just a few days after he had returned to the TGL and played in the finals for his team, Jupiter Links GC.

4 days after his subsequent crash, arrest and release on bail, the golfer broke his silence. In a post on X, he announced stepping away from golf and seeking treatment for his health.

I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health.

Tiger Woods said as a part of his statement

This obviously means that Woods will not be playing in the Masters Tournament. Following his statement, several fans extended their support to the golfer and wished him well.

The Masters Tournament would also release a statement. As per Fred Ridley, everyone at the Augusta National Golf Club fully supported his decision to step away for a while and prioritize his health.

Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being. Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta

Fred Ridley said regarding Tiger Woods in a statement

Woods, a 5-time Masters Tournament winner, has a lifetime exemption in the Masters Tournament due to his status as a past champion. In 2024, he set a new record for the most consecutive cuts made in this event at 24. He then went on to finish 60th in the standings.

PGA Tour also made a statement regarding Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods is taking a break from golf. On Tuesday, the 50-year-old expressed that he will be stepping away to get treatment and improve his health. Following this, the PGA Tour also made a statement regarding him.

Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods is stepping away from golf for a while (Image via Imago)

In a post on their official communication account, the tour backed the golfer and expressed their full support as he takes an important step in his career.

Tiger Woods is a legend of our sport whose impact extends far beyond his achievements on the course. But above all else, Tiger is a person, and our focus is on his health and well‑being. Tiger continues to have our full support as he takes this important step.

PGA Tour said regarding Tiger Woods

While Woods was sidelined from action due to injuries, he would continue to work behind the scenes. Not only did he serve as one of the player-directors on the PGA Tour policy board, but he also took on the role of chairman of the PGA Tour Future Competition Committee.

In recent months, he had worked closely with PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp. The former NFL executive would express that his thoughts were with him and his family, and respected his decision.

Woods has also pleaded not guilty in his DUI arrest case and has demanded a trial with a jury. As per TMZ, he will be represented by Douglas Duncan, the same attorney who reduced his charges to reckless driving in 2017.

Only time will tell what will happen with Woods. As for the Masters Tournament, this will be the second straight year that he will not be competing in the first major championship of the year.

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