Tiger Woods has returned to the United States after spending six weeks in Switzerland for rehabilitation, arriving as girlfriend Vanessa Trump prepares to begin the next phase of her breast cancer treatment.
The 50-year-old golf icon landed in Florida on Friday night, stepping off his private jet with two of his dogs. He appeared relaxed and in good spirits, smiling as he left the airport and headed to reunite with Trump, whom he has reportedly been dating since Thanksgiving 2024.
Woods traveled to Europe for treatment following his late-March DUI arrest near his Jupiter Island home, which came after a rollover car crash. He made a brief trip back to the U.S. around mid-May, when Trump publicly revealed that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
In an update shared Saturday, Trump said: “Over the past four weeks, I’ve been recovering from surgery and I’m grateful to be healing and moving forward.”
She added: “Soon, I’ll be starting the second stage of my treatment. Sending love, strength and hope to everyone fighting this battle.”
Woods’ decision to seek treatment overseas came just days after his arrest, which drew widespread international attention.
Tiger Woods returned to American soil after undergoing a recent stint in rehab in Europe
Woods, 50, looked refreshed after stepping off a private jet in Florida on Friday evening
Woods had two dogs with him as made his way off the plane and headed back home in Florida
His return comes amid girlfriend Vanessa Trump’s ongoing battle with breast cancer
Police arrested the 15-time Major winner after he refused to submit a urine test following the accident, although he blew clear on a breathalyzer test for alcohol. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Police found Woods was in possession of two hydrocodone pills, which are powerful painkillers. Officers also said they observed signs of impairment such as ‘bloodshot and glassy eyes’ and ‘dilated pupils’.
Woods spent time in rehab before due to issues with painkillers and in 2025 alone, had surgery on a torn Achilles before a seventh procedure on his back.
He was days away from a widely-anticipated return to golf at The Masters when the car accident happened, when he flipped his SUV while trying to overtake a truck and trailer at high speed.
In the immediate aftermath, a source close to both Vanessa and Tiger told the Daily Mail later that Vanessa was adamant Woods needed thorough professional help and wouldn’t stand for history repeating itself once more.
Police video footage also emerged of the incident, showing Woods waiting with police to learn his fate and having his sobriety tested.
At one stage, he wandered away to take a phone call before telling officers he was talking to President Trump when he was beckoned back over to them.
The latest saga is the fourth time he has been in trouble after being behind the wheel of a car.
Woods appeared to be in good spirits as he made his way through the airport on Friday
The 50-year-old is one of golf’s best ever players but has been blighted by personal issues
Woods was closing in on a return to the sport when he rolled his car in Florida in late March
He was arrested for another DUI in 2017 after police found him slumped in his car in Florida with five drugs in his system, including two painkillers.
Woods was later involved in a similar crash in 2021 in California, which shattered his right leg after he was trapped under the vehicle. He needed multiple surgeries in order to recover from his injuries and has struggled with the troubling heel issue plantar fasciitis ever since.
He also crashed into a fire hydrant in November 2009 as he tried to flee his Florida home after wife Elin Nordegren discovered he had been having an affair.
It sparked an unravelling of his reputation that he has never truly recovered from.
Woods was still in Switzerland when girlfriend Vanessa was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier in May.
The 48-year-old, who is the ex-wife of President Donald Trump’s eldest son, Don Jr, revealed news of her diagnosis and added how she is ‘working closely’ with her doctors on a treatment plan.
It is believed Woods is keen to plan a return to golf when the time is right but it remains to be seen how that could work with his own recovery, alongside Vanessa’s health concerns.
Woods returned briefly last month when girlfriend Vanessa announced her health news
The American has pleaded not guilty to DUI charges after being arrested in late March
Woods hasn’t spoken publicly about his March arrest outside of a brief statement underlining his plans to get professional help.
‘I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,’ Woods wrote in a statement.
‘I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.
‘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.’
Woods also withdrew himself from the running to be USA Ryder Cup captain next year in Ireland in the days after his arrest – many had expected him to take the job before the latest scandal hit.
