Tiger Woods has left the United States seeking treatment after a humiliating rollover crash on Jupiter Island but still found a way to make an appearance at this year’s Masters
09:51 ET, 06 Apr 2026Updated 13:32 ET, 06 Apr 2026
A Tiger Woods Rolex billboard is on show just outside of Augusta National Golf Club ahead of the Masters(Image: Mirror US)
Tiger Woods will not be in attendance at this year’s Masters, yet his figure is still awkwardly looming large right next to Augusta National.
The five-time Green Jacket holder was arrested and charged following a rollover crash near his home on Jupiter Island, Florida, last month, and he has vowed to seek treatment. A judge granted Woods permission to leave the country to help facilitate the 50-year-old’s rehabilitation.
Yet, for patrons attending this year’s major, the sight of Woods will greet those driving up Washington Road and toward the course. That’s because a giant Rolex billboard of Woods towers over the road. Meanwhile, Phil Mickelson’s behavior toward the Masters locker room staff in parking lot after his win said it all.
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Woods isn’t the only one to have his own billboard; Jack Nicklaus is further up the road, and so is Jon Rahm. It will likely be the source of amusement for patrons knowing what occurred just weeks earlier.
Regardless of whether he was fit enough to play, the 15-time major winner was supposed to be in attendance this week due to his involvement in designing a short Par-3 course at The Patch. Augusta National has renovated the nearby municipal course, which will open on April 15.
But Augusta National released a statement via chairman Fred Ridley and the Masters’ X account confirming Woods will not be in attendance.
“Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being,” it read.
“Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta.”
Tiger Woods of the United States walks to the 18th green during the final round of the 2024 Masters(Image: Getty Images)
Woods himself released a groveling statement and has since left the United States to focus on his recovery.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” he said. “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.
“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.”
Woods’ last Masters appearance came in 2023. He made his return to competitive action at this year’s TGL finals, just days before his crash. He has been sidelined for more than a year with a ruptured Achilles and a back injury.
Tiger Woods was supposed to be in attendance this year for the launch of his new course(Image: Getty Images / Augusta National)
His last appearance before the TGL finals was at the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon.
Speaking a few weeks ago at SoFi Stadium, Woods discussed his prospects of playing in this year’s major at Augusta National.
“As I said, I’ve been trying,” he said. “Just this body is—it doesn’t recover like it did when it was 24, 25.
“It doesn’t mean I’m not trying. I’ve been trying for a while. I’ve had a couple bad injuries here over the past years that I’ve had to fight through and it’s taken some time. But I keep trying. I want to play. I love the tournament. I’ve loved being there since I was 19 years old. It’s meant a lot to me and my family over the years.
“I’m going to be there either way with The Loop that’s going up there [his new nine-hole design at the Augusta municipal course], as well as the Champions Dinner.”
It comes as Donald Trump has been warned he’ll never be a member at Augusta National as he’s “full of himself.”
