The golfing legend pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence charges and said he will seek treatment after his Land Rover rolled over in a Florida collision

Tiger Woods has publicly announced his intention to “seek treatment and focus on my health” after pleading not guilty to charges related to his car crash in Florida last week.

Woods was arrested and held in custody for eight hours on Friday before being released on bail. He was charged with driving under the influence following a collision involving his Land Rover and a pick-up truck towing a trailer, which he was attempting to overtake.

Although Woods did not attend the initial court hearing on Tuesday, he entered a written plea of not guilty through his legal representatives and requested a jury trial, as per the documents from Martin County court.

Woods broke his silence on the incident on Tuesday evening. Speaking on X, he said: “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. This is necessary in order for me to prioritise my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.”, reports the Mirror.

“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.”

According to the police report, officers at the scene noted that Woods appeared to be “sweating profusely”, acting “lethargic and slow”, and had eyes that were “bloodshot and glassy”.

He acknowledged he “was looking down at his cell phone and changing the radio station” in the moments before the crash and “did not notice the vehicle in front of him had slowed down”.

The 15-time major champion, 50, escaped without injury and while he passed a breathalyser test for alcohol, Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said he refused to submit to a urinary test for drugs.

While Woods told the authorities he had not consumed any alcohol, he acknowledged he takes “a few” prescription medications and had done so earlier in the morning. He insisted he had not had any illegal drugs.

Woods, who was also charged with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test, was observed to be “extremely alert and talkative” and had “hiccups during the entire investigation”.

Several sobriety exercises were conducted, where he struggled to follow instructions, leading a deputy to conclude: “How he performed on the exercises and based on my training, knowledge and experience, I believe Woods’ normal faculties were impaired and he was unable to safely operate the motor vehicle”.

During a search of his vehicle, investigators discovered two white pills, which were identified as hydrocodone, a prescription opioid used to treat severe pain.

The driver of the other vehicle, who had been slowing to turn into a driveway off the two-lane road, was also uninjured.