Tiger Woods Arrested on Suspicion of DUI After Rollover Crash
Legendary golfer Tiger Woods has been arrested and released on bail following a single-vehicle rollover crash in Florida. The incident occurred on Saturday, with authorities taking Woods into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI).
According to officials, Woods was operating his Land Rover when the vehicle clipped a truck, subsequently rolling onto its side. While Woods himself sustained no physical injuries in the crash, he was taken to jail and later released on bail. Florida law mandates an eight-hour holding period before bail can be posted.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek indicated that Woods was travelling at “high speeds” on a residential road at the time of the accident. Sheriff Budensiek stated that Woods exhibited “signs of impairment” and that investigators believe he may have ingested some form of medication or drug. The sheriff described Woods as appearing lethargic. While Woods agreed to a Breathalyzer test, which reportedly showed no signs of alcohol, he refused a urine test, leading to his arrest.
This incident marks the fourth time Woods has been involved in a car crash. His most recent and severe accident occurred in February 2021, when his SUV veered off a coastal road in Los Angeles at considerable speed, resulting in significant leg and ankle injuries. At the time, Woods revealed that doctors had contemplated amputation. His golf career has also been punctuated by numerous injuries to his left knee and back.
This is the second instance of Woods being arrested for a DUI where alcohol was not a factor. In 2017, he was found asleep at the wheel of his car, which was still running and had sustained damage to the driver’s side. He later attributed that incident to a combination of prescribed painkillers. Woods ultimately pleaded guilty to reckless driving in that case.
President Donald Trump, whose former daughter-in-law is reportedly dating Woods, commented on the situation upon arriving in Miami for an investment summit. “I feel so badly. He’s got some difficulty,” Trump remarked. “Very close friend of mine. He’s an amazing person. Amazing man. But, some difficulty.”
The crash took place just before 2:00 PM local time, in close proximity to Woods’ residence on Jupiter Island.
Sheriff Budensiek detailed that Woods was attempting to overtake a pressure cleaner truck on a two-lane road with a posted speed limit of 30 mph (approximately 48 kph). The sheriff noted that authorities were unable to determine the exact speed at which Woods was travelling. The Land Rover swerved in an attempt to avoid a collision during the passing maneuver but made contact with the rear of the truck’s trailer. The impact caused Woods’ vehicle to roll onto its driver’s side.
The sheriff described Woods as being “cooperative, but he’s not trying to incriminate himself.” He also clarified that Woods has the legal right to refuse a urine test, meaning authorities may not be able to ascertain definitively what substance may have impaired him.
Representatives for Woods’ manager at Excel Sports did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Woods’ return to the sport after multiple back surgeries was a triumphant one, culminating in his victory at the 2019 Masters, his 15th major championship. His 82 PGA Tour victories are tied for the all-time record with Sam Snead. However, since his serious LA crash, his performance has been notably different. He has competed in 11 tournaments, with his best finish being 16 shots behind the winner on the four occasions he completed the full 72 holes.
This arrest comes at a critical juncture for Woods, as he was reportedly deliberating his fitness to compete in the Masters, which was scheduled to commence on April 9. He was also expected to be in Augusta, Georgia, on April 5 to unveil a golf course project alongside Masters chairman Fred Ridley.
Furthermore, Woods was reportedly approaching a “soft deadline” to decide whether to accept the role of US Ryder Cup captain for the 2027 matches to be held in Ireland.
Woods, who is 50 years old, has been on a path of recovery from his seventh back surgery, which he underwent in September. His last official tournament appearance was the British Open in 2024. A ruptured Achilles tendon in March 2025 sidelined him for the entire season, even before his back surgery. He did, however, participate in his indoor TGL golf league on Tuesday night.
Despite his physical challenges, Woods has maintained a significant role in PGA Tour affairs, serving as the chair of the Future Competition Committee, which is actively involved in restructuring the tour’s operational model.
