A Florida judge on Wednesday granted Tiger Woods permission to leave the United States for inpatient treatment, according to court records. Woods' attorney, Douglas Duncan, cited the golfer's urgent need for specialized care and privacy from media scrutiny, noting his complex clinical presentation required treatment unavailable domestically.

Woods, arrested Sunday on suspicion of DUI after a Florida car crash, entered a not guilty plea Tuesday to misdemeanor charges. The 15-time major champion announced he was "stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health." The arrest report documented his bloodshot eyes and discovery of hydrocodone pills in his pocket.

This marks Woods' second time seeking treatment for prescription drug issues, following a 2017 arrest. The golfer has battled chronic pain from multiple surgeries, including seven back operations and more than 20 on his right leg, which suffered severe injuries in a 2021 crash. Woods has previously acknowledged needing help with medication management.