Tiger Woods Arrested After Car Crash in Florida
JUPITER ISLAND, Fla. (AP) — Tiger Woods was released on bail late Friday following a crash involving his Land Rover. The vehicle clipped a truck, rolled over, and led to Woods’ arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to officials.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek stated Woods was driving at “high speeds” on a residential road. Post-crash, Woods displayed “signs of impairment,” which led investigators to suspect the involvement of medication or drugs. A Breathalyzer test indicated no alcohol presence, but Woods declined a urine test and was subsequently detained.
Under Florida law, Woods was required to remain in jail for at least eight hours before posting bail. Sheriff Budensiek noted Woods was kept separate from other inmates for safety reasons, stating, “He’ll pay the price, but he’s not going to pay the price by getting punished in jail.”
Woods’ manager at Excel Sports did not immediately respond to requests for comment. This incident marks Woods’ second DUI arrest not involving alcohol. In 2017, Woods cited a bad mix of painkillers when found asleep at the wheel, leading to a guilty plea for reckless driving.
President Donald Trump, whose former daughter-in-law is dating Woods, expressed concern upon landing in Miami for an investment summit. Trump commented, “I feel so badly. He’s got some difficulty. Very close friend of mine. He’s an amazing person. Amazing man. But, some difficulty.”
The crash occurred just before 2 p.m., close to Woods’ residence on Jupiter Island. Budensiek explained Woods was attempting to overtake a pressure cleaner truck on a two-lane road with a 30 mph speed limit. While avoiding a collision, Woods’ vehicle clipped the truck’s trailer, causing it to roll onto its side. Woods managed to crawl out uninjured.
Sheriff Budensiek described Woods as “cooperative, but he’s not trying to incriminate himself.” Authorities have acknowledged that without a urine test, determining the exact impairment substance remains challenging.
This event marks the fourth car crash involving Woods, with the most recent incident occurring in February 2021 in Los Angeles. That crash resulted in significant leg and ankle injuries, with Woods later revealing that doctors had considered amputation. He has previously sustained multiple injuries throughout his golf career, including to his left knee and back.
Woods returned to form to win the 2019 Masters, marking his 15th major victory. His 82 PGA Tour titles tie him with Sam Snead for the career record. Since the 2021 crash in LA, Woods has participated in 11 tournaments, finishing four times within 16 shots of the winner.
Woods’ recent arrest comes as he deliberates about participating in the upcoming Masters, slated for April 9. He was scheduled to be in Augusta, Georgia, on April 5 for a golf course project unveiling with Masters chairman Fred Ridley. Additionally, Woods faces a “soft deadline” to decide on captaining the U.S. Ryder Cup team for the 2027 matches in Ireland.
At 50, Woods is recovering from his seventh back surgery, conducted in September. His last official tournament was in 2024 at the British Open. An Achilles tendon rupture in March 2025 kept him off the course before his back surgery. Woods did manage to participate in his TGL golf league on Tuesday night.
Woods remains actively engaged in PGA Tour affairs as chair of the Future Competition Committee, which is restructuring the tour’s model.
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