Golfer Tiger Woods was arrested Friday on a charge of driving under the influence after a rollover crash on a narrow road near his Florida home, authorities said.
The crash occurred shortly before 2 p.m. on South Beach Road when Woods, driving a Land Rover, approached a work truck towing a small pressure-cleaning trailer, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office said. Investigators determined the truck was slowing to turn into a driveway when Woods attempted to pass at a high rate of speed.
Authorities said the SUV clipped the rear of the trailer during the maneuver, causing the vehicle to overturn onto its driver’s side and slide along the roadway before coming to a stop. Woods exited the vehicle through the passenger side before emergency responders arrived.
No injuries were reported in the crash, either to Woods or to the driver of the truck, according to the sheriff’s office.
During a news briefing Friday, Sheriff John Budensiek said Woods showed signs consistent with impairment at the scene. Deputies took him into custody and transported him to the Martin County Jail.
A breath test administered at the jail detected no alcohol in Woods’ system. However, authorities said he declined to provide a urine sample, which is used to determine the presence of drugs or medication. Investigators indicated they suspect the impairment may have been related to medication, though no substances were recovered from the vehicle.
Woods faces misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test, officials said. Under Florida law, he was required to remain in custody for at least eight hours before being eligible for release.
The roadway where the crash occurred is a two-lane route with a posted speed limit of 30 mph and limited space for vehicles to maneuver. Investigators noted that the outcome could have been more severe if oncoming traffic had been present at the time.
Representatives for Woods did not immediately respond to requests for comment from media outlets, including ABC News.
President Donald Trump, who described Woods as a close friend, commented on the incident while speaking to reporters in Miami.
“I feel so badly. There was an accident and that’s all I know. Very close friend of mine,” Trump said. “He’s an amazing person, amazing man. But some difficulty.”
The incident marks the second time Woods has faced a driving under the influence case. In 2017, he was arrested in Jupiter, Florida, after officers found him asleep behind the wheel of a vehicle. He later pleaded guilty to reckless driving and issued a public apology to his family, friends and supporters.
Woods has also previously been involved in a serious crash. In 2021, he sustained significant leg injuries in a rollover accident in Southern California. Authorities at the time found no indication of impairment and determined that crash to be an accident. Woods later described a lengthy recovery process that included months of limited mobility.
The latest incident comes as Woods has been working to return to competitive golf following years of injuries. His career has been marked by multiple physical setbacks, including back surgeries, knee problems and other conditions that have limited his playing schedule.
Earlier this week, Woods returned to competition, representing his team in a TGL Finals match. It was his first appearance since missing the cut at the 2024 British Open. He has not confirmed whether he plans to compete in the upcoming Masters Tournament, scheduled to begin April 9 in Augusta, Georgia.
Woods is widely considered one of the greatest golfers in history. He has won 15 major championships, second only to Jack Nicklaus, and has 82 PGA Tour victories, tying the all-time record held by Sam Snead. His achievements include five Masters titles, three U.S. Open victories, three British Open wins and four PGA Championship titles.
He also held the world’s top ranking for a record 683 weeks and remains the only golfer to have held all four major titles at the same time, a feat accomplished across the 2000 and 2001 seasons. His 2019 Masters victory is often cited as one of the most significant comebacks in sports, following years of injuries and personal challenges.
The arrest of Tiger Woods introduces new uncertainty at a critical moment in his attempted return to competitive golf. While no alcohol was detected, the possibility that impairment may have been linked to medication raises questions about the ongoing physical challenges he faces. Woods has undergone numerous surgeries and treatments over the years, and the use of prescribed medication is not uncommon among athletes dealing with chronic pain.
From a legal standpoint, the refusal to submit to a urine test could complicate his case. Under Florida law, such a refusal carries its own penalties and may be used as evidence in court proceedings. Even without a confirmed substance, the charge of driving under the influence can still be pursued based on observed impairment.
The incident also has potential implications for Woods’ public image. Throughout his career, he has navigated both extraordinary success and periods of personal controversy. Another legal issue, particularly one involving driving under the influence, could affect endorsement relationships and public perception.
At the same time, the lack of injuries and the relatively limited damage may temper some of the immediate fallout. The circumstances of the crash, including the narrow roadway and the presence of a turning vehicle, suggest that multiple factors may have contributed to the accident.
In a broader context, the situation underscores the risks associated with driving while impaired, regardless of the source of impairment. It also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by athletes attempting to balance recovery, competition and daily life after serious injuries.
Reuters/ABC
