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Tiger Woods (50) has spent the past few weeks in a rehabilitation clinic in Switzerland, where he was receiving treatment for a prescription drug addiction. On Friday, he flew back to his home in the United States to continue his recovery there, three months earlier than planned. The American golfer was supposed to remain at the clinic until the end of June for a rehabilitation program, but the reason for his early departure is unclear.
It was hardly known that Woods was in Switzerland, although, in spring, he had announced that he would be seeking treatment for his addiction. During his recovery, he remained in constant contact with his girlfriend, Vanessa Trump, who announced that she had breast cancer in May.
News of Woods’ addiction came to light following a traffic accident on Jupiter Island in Florida in March. He crashed into a pickup truck at high speed, causing the vehicle to roll onto its side. The police noticed that Woods was slow and dazed, found pills in the vehicle, and took him into custody. Although the breathalyzer test came back negative, he had to pay bail to be released from jail. This was not Woods’ first traffic accident or arrest for driving under the influence—he had already been handcuffed in 2009 and 2017 for the same reasons.
After the March incident, Woods temporarily stopped playing golf. “I am aware of, and acknowledge, the seriousness of the situation I am in,” he said on X. “I am taking a temporary break from golf to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary for my well-being and for a lasting recovery.”
During the coming weeks , Woods will continue to receive professional help from doctors and psychologists to help him climb out of this slump. It is not yet known when he will make his return as a golfer. Paparazzi were able to photograph him upon his arrival in the U.S.
Tiger Woods is one of the most influential athletes of all time and has redefined golf. With 15 major titles and 82 PGA Tour victories, he is without a doubt one of the greatest golfers ever. His perseverance in the face of personal challenges and injuries, including his return to the top, remains an inspiration to golfers and fans worldwide. Woods is regarded as the greatest golfer of all time (the GOAT: Greatest of All Time).
©picture alliance / Captital Pictures | RS/MPI