Tiger Woods pays tribute to father in first statement since DUI crash

Tiger Woods has released his first statement on social media since returning from rehab after his DUI crash.

Just days after he made a comeback to competitive golf with an appearance in the Tomorrow's Golf League (TGL), Woods was involved in a 'rollover' car crash in Florida in April.

It was later confirmed that the 50-year-old had been arrested at the scene on suspicion of misdemeanour driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test, but was later released on bond.

Following the incident, Woods confirmed that he would be 'stepping away' for an undisclosed period of time to 'seek treatment' and focus on his health.

It was then reported that the 15-time Major winner had checked into a rehab facility in Switzerland to help him recover following the incident, while remaining disconnected from his social media accounts.

But now, Woods has returned to social media to share a touching tribute to his father, Earl Woods, as the United States celebrate Memorial Day.

“My father was a Special Forces operator with two tours in Vietnam and 20 years of service,’’ Woods wrote on X.

“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.’’

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the US held to remember the military personnel and is observed on the last Monday of May.

Earl Woods, who served two combat tours during the Vietnam War, died in May 2003 at the age of 74 following a long battle with prostate cancer.

When will Woods return to the golf course?

On May 13, Woods was seen disembarking his plane at Palm Beach International Airport, having returned from his rehabilitation in Switzerland, leading many to assume his recovery was finished.

However, the 50-year-old's private plane reportedly returned to Switzerland on Sunday, presumably to resume his treatment.

It is not known why Woods made a short return to Miami, but it could be related to his partner Vanessa Trump, former daughter-in-law of US President Donald Trump, recently sharing that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Therefore, it remains to be seen when Woods will feel ready and capable of making a return to the course.