Tiger in rehab to battle medication issues

TIGER WOODS has checked himself in to a specialised facility as he seeks professional help to manage the medication issues which led to his recent arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence

The 14-time major winner was taken into custody on May 29 after police found him asleep at wheel of his car by the side of the road and he failed a sobriety test.

Woods’ breathalyser test re- turned a zero reading but the player later revealed he believed he had suffered an “unexpected reaction” to prescription medication he was taking as he recovers from a fourth back operation in three years.

In a statement posted on Twitter the 41-year-old said he was receiving “professional help” and his long-time manager Mark Steinberg subsequently confirmed he was spending time as an in-patient at an unidentified facility.

“I’m receiving professional help to manage my medica- tions and the ways that I deal with back pain and a sleep disorder,” Woods wrote.

“I want to thank everyone for the amazing outpouring of support and understanding.”

Steinberg confirmed the former world No.1 had taken the decision to seek help having struggled to cope with crippling pain and related sleep problems.

“I’m not at liberty to say where he is, but he is receiving in-patient treatment,” he said. “Tiger has been dealing with so much pain physically and that leads to insomnia and sleep issues.

“This has been going on for a long time. I’m glad he is taking responsibility.”

Asked whether the police arrest had finally prompted Woods to seek help Steinberg added: “Was the night in question a tipping point? He’s now gone and checked himself into a facility.

“He’s been in pain for so long. He’s had to handle the pain, which then potentially leads to the lack of sleep because you’re in so much pain.”

Steinberg also played down Woods’ comments in a blog on May 24 when, in his first extensive comments since undergoing his latest fusion surgery, he said he had received “instant nerve relief” and had not “felt this good in years”.

“I don’t think you can put two and two together. It’s a complicated situation,” he said

Woods is due to appear in court in Palm Beach County on August 9 to answer the DUI charge, unless a deal is struck beforehand.