Tiger Woods has been handed a major lifeline in his bid to return to professional golf, following the end of his intensive rehabilitation program in Switzerland.
The 15-time major champion had been receiving treatment in Zurich after being charged with driving under the influence following a car crash near his home in Jupiter, Florida in March.
Police reportedly found prescription opioid pills in the golfer’s possession at the time of the arrest, which Woods had been using to manage chronic injury pain.
On Wednesday, it was revealed that Woods’ private jet had touched down in the United States – 40 days after he left to undergo rehab in Switzerland – before the golf legend was spotted disembarking the plane at Palm Beach International Airport.
Reports had previously claimed that Woods was ‘desperate’ to make a return to golf and on Wednesday, he was thrown a lifeline by US Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk.
Furyk – who will lead the US team at Adare Manor, Ireland in 2027 – has insisted that he wants Woods to be included in some capacity when the event rolls round.
A somber Tiger Woods was seen disembarking his private jet on Wednesday afternoon, marking the golf legend’s first public sighting since his shock DUI arrest back in March
Woods, 50, was arrested for DUI following a car crash near his home in Jupiter, Florida in March
The golf legend, pictured beside his crashed car, had been undergoing an intensive rehabilitation program in Zurich, Switzerland in the weeks that have followed his arrest
According to GBNews, Furyk said that he has not wanted to bother Woods since being announced at Ryder Cup captain but is keen to get the golf legend involved.
He explained: ‘We haven’t spoken yet. I think, out of kind of courtesy for him and his family, and I know maybe a road to health, I haven’t reached out, but I will.
‘Definitely. We’ll see where that role may fall. In the past, I think he’s kind of taken a back seat and kind of maybe served as an advice for Keegan (Bradley) and such.
‘I will say I enjoyed serving – I use that word serving – as a vice-captain with him a number of times.
‘I think he brought a lot to the team room and a lot of knowledge and a lot of experience.’
Last month, it was revealed that Woods has not given up on his hopes of returning to professional golf, despite his shocking DUI arrest.
Speaking to People, one source said: ‘He knows he needs to beat his issues and also deal with the pain from not only playing golf but also from his regular fitness schedule.
‘People around him are supporting him, both personally and professionally. All of this is helping him deal with it enough to get through it.’
Vanessa Trump was said to have been encouraged by her boyfriend’s progress in Zurich
It was revealed that Woods’ private jet had touched down in the United States on Wednesday
Meanwhile, another source told the same outlet that Woods ‘still has golf in him’, despite the concerning incident that unfolded in Jupiter Island, Florida.
‘He just wants to get better in all areas of his life,’ the source revealed to the outlet.
As Woods continues his road to recovery, girlfriend Vanessa Trump is said to be in full ‘support’ of the golf legend.
Another source, again speaking to People, revealed: ‘Tiger needed to do intensive therapy, and his girlfriend Vanessa has been in favor of it.
‘She still supports this and supports him. She loves him and knows that private treatment was necessary.’
Woods has pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence and the Daily Mail reported last week that his lawyers are increasingly optimistic he could avoid jail time after his second DUI arrest in Florida since 2017.
Woods was traveling at high speeds on a beachside, residential road on Jupiter Island with a 30mph speed limit when his Land Rover caused $5,000 in damage to the truck, according to an incident report.
A sheriff’s office report said deputies found two pain pills in his pocket, and he showed signs of impairment after his SUV clipped a truck’s trailer and rolled onto its side.
Woods rolled his car near his Jupiter Island home in March, his fourth incident involving a car
Woods agreed to a breathalyzer test that showed no signs of alcohol, but refused a urine test
Woods agreed to a breathalyzer test that showed no signs of alcohol, but refused a urine test, authorities said.
In recent weeks, the 15-time major champion – who is dating Vanessa Trump – has been undergoing ‘intense treatment’ at a facility in Switzerland.
‘He’s got a pain management doctor who is helping him deal with his body pain without addictive opioids,’ a source told the Daily Mail last month. ‘He calls or Zooms a small number of people: Vanessa, his kids, [agent] Mark Steinberg.
‘He’s responding well to treatment, and Vanessa is very happy with what she’s hearing… it’s a 90-day program but he’s able to leave whenever he wants.’
The Daily Mail also reported that Vanessa – who has been in a relationship with Woods for around 18 months – was adamant he needed thorough professional help and wouldn’t stand for history repeating itself once more.
This is the fourth time Woods has been in trouble after being behind the wheel of a car. Earlier this week, it emerged that prosecutors have been granted permission to access his medical records in the case – but those notes will not be made public.
The verdict was reached Tuesday morning after a brief hearing in Martin County. Woods, 50, was not present due to being in Switzerland.
