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Tiger Woods will notably be absent from Augusta National this week following his arrest for drunk driving in Florida, but Rory McIlroy said he plans to “recognize” 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 favorite dishes, including his mother’s bacon-wrapped dates and yellowfin tuna carpaccio inspired by 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, Florida on January 27, 2025. (Megan Briggs/TGL/TGL via Getty Images)
“Unfortunately there will be a few guys that won’t be in this room, which is a shame, but I want to make sure they’re recognized as well,” McIlroy told Golf Channel on Sunday.
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“They were two of the greatest champions 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 I’ve selected.”
Woods was arrested for driving under the influence with property damage and refusing to submit to a breathalyzer test after law enforcement said his vehicle collided with another vehicle on March 27. Deputies said they believe Woods was driving impaired.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by PK Press Club Digital, deputies with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office reported observing several signs of impairment at the scene, noting that the golf legend was “sweating profusely” and his movements appeared “lethargic and slow.”
Tiger Woods was arrested for drunk driving after getting into a car accident on Friday. (Associated Press)
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Woods was placed under arrest after performing a series of field sobriety tests, and during a search, law enforcement found “two white pills in Woods’ left pants pocket.” According to the arrest affidavit, the pills were later identified as hydrocodone, a prescription opioid for pain relief.
Augusta National President Fred Ridley confirmed days after his arrest that Woods, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges, would not compete in the Masters.
“Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being,” Ridley said. “Even though Tiger won’t be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta.”
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland shakes hands with Tiger Woods of the United States on the 18th green after completing a practice round ahead of the 2023 Masters tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, April 3, 2023. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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This is the second year in a row that Woods has missed the Masters. He ruptured his Achilles tendon in March 2025, also missing the Masters Club dinner that year. Mickelson, 55, announced last week that he would also withdraw from the Masters as he and his family continue to “deal with a personal health matter.”
