Judge allows Woods to travel abroad for medical care.

A judge in Florida approved Tiger Woods’ request on Wednesday to travel outside the United States and enter a comprehensive inpatient treatment facility, as per court documents.

Woods’ attorney, Douglas Duncan, submitted the travel request on Wednesday, emphasizing the golfer’s urgent requirement for an “intensive, highly individualized and medically integrated program” and the need for privacy from media and public attention.

Martin County Court Judge Darren Steele approved the request after a teleconference with Duncan and Assistant State Attorney Caroline Houston on Wednesday.

“According to the Defendant’s treating physician, the recommendation for out-of-country treatment is based on the Defendant’s complex clinical situation and the urgent need for a level of care that cannot be safely or effectively provided within the United States, as his privacy has been consistently compromised,” Duncan stated in the motion.

“Ongoing medical scrutiny and public exposure pose significant obstacles to his care and could lead to setbacks and an inability to fully engage in treatment.”

On Tuesday, the 15-time major champion announced in a statement that he is “stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health,” revealing this decision four days after being arrested on suspicion of DUI and refusal to submit to a lawful test following a rollover crash in Florida.

Woods entered a not guilty plea to the charges on Tuesday.

“I recognize and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods stated in a message shared on his social media accounts. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is essential for me to prioritize my well-being and work towards lasting recovery.

“I am dedicated to taking the necessary time to return to a healthier, stronger, and more focused state, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and I request privacy for my family, loved ones, and myself during this time.”

In the travel motion, Duncan noted that the unnamed treatment facility outside the U.S. will “offer continuous monitoring and the capacity to swiftly adjust treatment interventions in a highly controlled environment.”

In an arrest affidavit released on Tuesday by the Martin County Sheriff’s Department, Deputy Tatiana Levenar reported that Woods was “sweating profusely” and exhibited “lethargic and slow” movements during their interview.

Levenar indicated that Woods mentioned having undergone seven back surgeries and more than 20 operations on his right leg, which he severely injured in a car crash near Los Angeles in February 2021.

After Woods removed his sunglasses, Levenar observed that his eyes were “bloodshot and glassy,” and his pupils were “extremely dilated.” When asked if he had consumed any alcohol, Woods replied: “None.”

When Levenar inquired about any prescription medications, he responded: “I take a few.” Woods indicated that he had taken prescription pills earlier that morning, according to the report.

The names of the medications were redacted in the affidavit.

Another deputy from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office discovered two hydrocodone pills in Woods’ left pants pocket, as stated in the arrest affidavit. Hydrocodone was the substance found in Woods’ system during his DUI arrest in May 2017.

Duncan represented Woods in a 2017 incident where the golfer was arrested on suspicion of DUI after officers found him asleep at the wheel of his running vehicle, which had two flat tires and damage to both the front and rear bumpers. Woods stated that he had taken a poor combination of painkillers.

Woods later pleaded guilty to reckless driving and agreed to participate in a diversion program as part of the plea agreement. He checked into a treatment facility that year to seek assistance with prescription drugs.

In February 2021, Woods sustained severe leg injuries in a single-car crash near Los Angeles, where his SUV rolled multiple times, leaving him trapped inside. He subsequently underwent surgery to address “open fractures” in his lower right leg, had a rod inserted in his tibia, and had screws and pins placed in his foot and ankle during emergency surgery. Woods remained hospitalized for three weeks following the surgery.