Tiger Woods honored his late father, Earl Woods, with a Memorial Day tribute on May 25
NEED TO KNOW
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The post marked his return to social media after completing a six-week treatment program abroad following his DUI arrest and car crash
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A source says Tiger is focused on recovery and motivated by hopes of making a golf comeback
Tiger Woodshas returned to social media for the first time since announcing that he was seeking rehabilitation in the wake of his DUI arrest.
On Monday, May 25, the professional golfer, 50, marked Memorial Day with anInstagram Stories posthonoring his late father, veteranEarl Woods.
“My father was a Special Forces operator with two tours in Vietnam and 20 years of service,” Tiger wrote in the tribute. “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.”
The post honoring the pro golfer's dad, whodied in 2006at age 74, comes after Tiger's six-weekstint out of the countryto seek treatment in the wake of hiscar crash and DUI arrest.
The 15-time Major championpleaded not guilty to a DUI chargeafter crashing his Range Rover on a two-lane road near his home in Jupiter Island, Fla., on March 27.Nobody was injured as a resultof the crash, whichmarks the third car accident the golf star has been involved in.
Tigerannouncedthat he would be "stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment" onXon March 31. Authorities believe Tiger was "not impaired by alcohol but possibly by medication or another substance,” and found two hydrocodone pills in his left pants pocket while at the scene, per court documents reviewed by PEOPLE.
"I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today," he wrote on X at the time. "I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health.”
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“This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery," the golfer continued. "I'm committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time."
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Tiger wasspotted landing back in Floridaon Wednesday, May 13 afterhis stint out of the countryto seek treatment. The star's lawyers had previously petitioned a judge to allow him to leave the country for his treatment due to "privacy" concerns.
TMZreported that he arrived in a private jet that had flown in from Zurich, Switzerland.
Before his return to Florida, a sourcetold PEOPLE exclusivelythat Tigeris hoping to make a golf comeback post-treatment. The star "desperately" wants to return to the sport, which is motivating him to stick with his treatment, according to the golf insider.
After his time abroad, a source told PEOPLE that the golf prois “happy” to be back homeand closer to girlfriendVanessa Trumpas he continues his recovery process. “Tiger took his trip seriously and is all about continuing his recovery and putting this chapter behind him,” the Jupiter-based insider told PEOPLE.
“He is in good spirits and also can't wait to put the legal issues to rest,” the source added.
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