Tiger Woods issued a heartfelt statement on Memorial Day, marking his first public communication in nearly two months. He expressed gratitude to those who sacrificed their lives for the nation and paid tribute to his late father, Earl Woods. Earl Woods served in the U.S. Army Special Forces during the Vietnam War, completing two tours and dedicating 20 years to the military.
In his message, Woods stated, “My father was a Special Forces operator with two tours in Vietnam and 20 years of service. To all those like my father, we all say thank you for your sacrifices. Without them, we wouldn’t have the greatest country on Earth.”
Earl Woods passed away in May 2006 at the age of 74. Tiger Woods had not made a public statement since March 31, following a car accident and DUI arrest in Florida. This arrest occurred on March 27, and he faced charges of DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. Although Woods cleared the breathalyzer tests, his refusal to take a urine test led to the charge.
Woods received permission on April 1 to leave the United States for a comprehensive inpatient treatment program. Recently, he was spotted in Florida, but his plane reportedly returned to Switzerland, suggesting that his rehabilitation continues. It remains unclear why Woods briefly returned to the U.S., but the timing coincides with recent news from his girlfriend, Vanessa Trump. Vanessa, previously married to a member of the Trump family, disclosed her breast cancer diagnosis and expressed gratitude for Woods’ support.
Woods has not participated in competitive golf since the 2024 Open Championship in Scotland. His presence in the sport remains significant, with plans to be part of Jim Furyk’s 2027 Ryder Cup staff, showcasing his ongoing dedication to the game despite personal hurdles.