Rory McIlroy says he will 'acknowledge' Tiger Woods at Masters dinner following DUI arrest

Tiger Woods admitted to authorities that he was "hoping to" play in this year's Masters Tournament before his DUI arrest in Jupiter Island, Fla.

Tiger Woods will be notably absent from Augusta National this week following his DUI arrest in Florida, but Rory McIlroy said he plans to "acknowledge" the five-time Masters champion when past winners gather for their annual dinner on Tuesday.

Woods, along with three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson, will miss the annual dinner, which features a four-course menu inspired by the Northern Irishman’s favorites, including his mother’s bacon-wrapped dates and yellowfin tuna carpaccio modeled after a dish from his favorite New York restaurant.

Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links Golf Club and Rory McIlroy of Boston Common Golf watch after their TGL match at SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., on Jan. 27, 2025. (Megan Briggs/TGL/TGL via Getty Images)

"Unfortunately, there will be a couple of guys that won't be in that room, which is a shame, but I want to make sure that they're acknowledged as well," McIlroy told Golf Channel on Sunday. 

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"They've been two of the greatest champions that the Masters has ever seen. But it's going to be a really cool night. I can't wait. I hope everyone enjoys the dinner and enjoys everything that I've selected."

Woods was arrested on charges of driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a blood alcohol level test after law enforcement said his vehicle collided with another vehicle on March 27. Deputies said they believed Woods was driving impaired.

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital, deputies with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office reported