Golf Legend Tiger Woods Faces DUI Charge Following Rollover in Florida
Jupiter Island, Florida – Golf icon Tiger Woods was arrested on a driving under the influence (DUI) charge after his Land Rover rolled over in a crash that involved another vehicle but resulted in no serious injuries, authorities said.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek reported that the incident took place shortly after 2pm local time (18:00 GMT) on a two-lane road near Woods’ residence. According to the sheriff, Woods attempted to overtake a pressure cleaner truck when he swerved to avoid a collision, clipping the rear of the trailer. His SUV then overturned onto its driver’s side.
Both Woods and the driver of the other vehicle escaped unharmed. Woods managed to exit the vehicle through the passenger side. Investigators at the scene observed signs of impairment. He underwent a breathalyser test, which returned a negative result for alcohol, but refused a subsequent urine test. He was charged with DUI involving property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test—both misdemeanours.
This marks at least the third known car crash involving the 50-year-old golfer. In February 2021, Woods suffered serious leg and ankle injuries when his SUV veered off a coastal road in the Los Angeles area at high speed. Doctors had considered amputation at one point. Prior to that, in 2017, he was arrested on a DUI charge in South Florida after being found asleep behind the wheel of a damaged vehicle. He later pleaded guilty to reckless driving, attributing the incident to a mix of painkillers.
Woods has been recovering from multiple health setbacks in recent years. He underwent a seventh back surgery in September and ruptured his Achilles tendon in March 2025, which sidelined him for the entire season. His most recent official tournament appearance was at the British Open in 2024. He has competed in just 11 events since the 2021 crash and has not come close to contending in those that went the full distance.
Despite the challenges, Woods has remained active in golf off the course. He participated in his TGL indoor league as recently as Tuesday night and serves as chairman of the PGA Tour’s Future Competition Committee, which is overseeing changes to the tour’s format. He also faces a decision on whether to accept the role of US Ryder Cup captain for the 2027 matches in Ireland.
Woods’ achievements include 82 PGA Tour victories—tied for the all-time record with Sam Snead—and 15 major titles, highlighted by his dramatic fifth Masters win in 2019.