Tiger Woods has been criticized for what some observers describe as a textbook “crisis PR playbook” response after announcing he will step away from golf to seek treatment following a DUI arrest linked to a car crash in Florida.
Golf icon Woods, 50, was arrested on March 27, 2026, after his Land Rover rolled when it clipped a truck. He was charged with driving under the influence, property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful urine test.
Days later, he issued a public statement on X confirming he would temporarily withdraw from the sport to focus on his health.
The 15-time major champion also entered a written not guilty plea through his lawyers on March 31, as details emerged from a police report describing his condition at the scene.
A crisis communications expert said: