Tiger Woods Arrested on DUI, Property Damage, and Refusal to Test Charges Following Rollover Crash

Golfer Tiger Woods was arrested on Friday, March 27, on charges of driving under the influence (DUI), property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test. The arrest followed a rollover vehicle crash in Jupiter Island, Florida.

Woods was released on bail after being held for eight hours at Martin County Jail. Authorities reported signs of impairment at the scene, though a Breathalyzer test indicated no alcohol in his system, and he declined a urine test.

Incident Details

The crash occurred shortly after 2 p.m. on a Friday afternoon on South Beach Road, a residential street with a 30 mph speed limit near Woods' home in Jupiter Island. Law enforcement reports indicate Woods, aged 50, was driving a Land Rover when he attempted to overtake a pickup truck pulling a pressure cleaner trailer. The truck was reportedly slowing to turn into a driveway, with its driver attempting to move to the side of the narrow road.

Woods' vehicle was observed traveling at high speeds when it swerved to avoid a direct collision. The Land Rover clipped the rear of the trailer, subsequently rolling onto its driver's side and sliding a distance before coming to a stop.

Woods exited the vehicle through the passenger door. Neither Woods nor the driver of the pickup truck sustained injuries in the incident. The truck incurred an estimated $5,000 in damage. The Jupiter Island Police Department initially responded, with the Martin County Sheriff's Office assisting in the investigation.

Impairment and Charges

At the scene, deputies with the Martin County Sheriff's Office observed Woods exhibiting signs of impairment. He was described as lethargic and sweating during questioning, with bloodshot and dilated eyes.

Woods informed deputies he had taken prescription medication earlier that morning and confirmed taking multiple medications when questioned. Two white pills, identified as the opioid hydrocodone, were found in his pocket.

During a field sobriety test, deputies noted Woods limped and wore a compression sock on his right knee, stating his ankle seizes up when walking due to prior surgeries. He also exhibited hiccups and required repeated instructions to maintain a straight head position during one test.

Woods agreed to a Breathalyzer test, which registered "triple zeroes," indicating no alcohol in his system. However, he declined a request to provide a urine sample at the jail.

A deputy concluded that Woods' normal faculties were impaired, rendering him unable to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Woods was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test. Florida law, updated last year, classifies refusal to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test as a misdemeanor, even for a first offense.

Woods was held at Martin County Jail for eight hours, as required by Florida statute for DUI arrests, and was reportedly not held within the general population. He was released on bail, departing in a chauffeured vehicle. His arraignment is scheduled for April 23.

Prior Traffic-Related Incidents

This incident marks at least the fourth car-related event involving Woods:

• 2009: Woods crashed a Cadillac SUV into a fire hydrant and tree outside his Florida home.
• 2017: Woods was arrested on suspicion of DUI in Jupiter, Florida, after being found asleep behind the wheel of his damaged car. He attributed the incident to an adverse reaction to a mix of painkillers, including Xanax, Vicodin, Ambien, Dilaudid, and THC. He subsequently pleaded guilty to reckless driving and entered a diversion program.
• February 2021: Woods sustained severe leg and ankle injuries in a single-car rollover crash in Los Angeles. His SUV veered off a coastal road at high speed, traveling between 84 and 87 mph in a 45 mph zone. The crash resulted in fractures to his right leg, requiring emergency surgery, a rod in his tibia, and screws and pins in his foot and ankle. Amputation was reportedly considered by medical professionals. Authorities concluded there was no evidence of impairment and deemed it an accident, with no charges filed. Woods underwent a lengthy rehabilitation process following this incident, including an additional surgery in April 2023.

Career and Health Context

Woods, a prominent figure in golf, holds 82 PGA Tour victories, a record tied with Sam Snead. He won his fifth Masters title and 15th major championship in 2019.

Throughout his career, Woods has undergone multiple surgeries for knee and back issues, including a seventh back surgery in September. He has also been recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon and has had numerous leg operations.

Since the 2021 Los Angeles crash, he has completed 72 holes in four out of eleven tournaments, not finishing closer than 16 shots to the winner. His last official PGA Tour tournament appearance was the British Open in July 2024, where he missed the cut. He recently participated in his indoor TGL golf league, where his team, Jupiter Links GC, was defeated in the finals.

Beyond playing, Woods is actively involved in PGA Tour affairs as chairman of the Future Competition Committee, which is redesigning the tour's operational model. He has also been considering accepting the U.S. Ryder Cup captaincy for the 2027 matches in Ireland.