Tiger Woods says he is stepping away for treatment after DUI arrest

Tiger Woods said on Tuesday (Mar 31) he is stepping away to seek treatment and focus on his health after pleading not guilty to DUI charges stemming from his rollover crash in Florida last week.

Woods, a 15-time major champion and the greatest golfer of his generation, was arrested last Friday afternoon on a charge of driving under the influence after his Land Rover rolled over on a two-lane road near his Jupiter Island home. He was released on bail later that night.

No one was injured in the crash.

"I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today," Woods posted on social media.

"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."

Woods added that he was committed to taking the time needed to return in a "healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally", and requested privacy.

Court documents filed on Tuesday showed that he has pleaded not guilty to DUI charges and requested a trial with a jury.

Woods' next court appearance was scheduled for May 5, though he does not have to appear in person for any proceeding prior to a trial, court records show.

According to a probable-cause affidavit seen by Reuters earlier on Tuesday, Woods told authorities he was looking down at his phone and did not realise the truck in front of him had slowed down.

Authorities also said in the affidavit that Woods had two hydrocodone pills in his pocket and that officers observed him to be lethargic, slow, "sweating profusely", with bloodshot eyes and pupils that were "extremely dilated".

When asked during the criminal DUI investigation if he took any prescription