Professional golfer Tiger Woods was arrested on March 27 in Jupiter Island, Florida, after a collision involving his SUV and another vehicle. Woods faces charges including driving under the influence (DUI), property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test. Following his arrest, Woods pleaded not guilty to the charges and announced his intention to step away from golf to seek comprehensive inpatient treatment at an overseas facility, a request later approved by a Florida judge.
Incident Details
The incident occurred on Friday, March 27, shortly before 2:00 PM local time. Woods was driving a black Land Rover (also referred to as a Range Rover) northbound on South Beach Road. His vehicle collided with a Ford F-150 pickup truck towing a trailer, which was slowing to turn right into a driveway with its turn signal activated.
According to an arrest affidavit, Woods informed Martin County Sheriff's investigators that he was distracted by his cellphone and adjusting his radio at the time, stating he did not notice the vehicle ahead slowing. Woods' vehicle attempted to maneuver around the truck by crossing a double yellow line into oncoming traffic. The front right bumper of Woods' vehicle then struck the back left of the trailer, causing Woods' car to lose control and overturn onto its driver's side.
Neither driver, including the F-150's driver, Jeromy Bullard, reported injuries. Bullard and another individual assisted Woods in exiting his vehicle through the passenger side door. Damage to the trailer was estimated at approximately $5,000.
Observations, Sobriety Tests, and Arrest
Initial Observations
Deputies, including Tatiana Levenar, who responded to the scene, noted several indicators of impairment in Woods. Observations included profuse sweating, bloodshot and glassy eyes (initially covered by sunglasses), dilated pupils, and movements described as lethargic and slow. While exhibiting these signs, one report also described Woods as "extremely alert and talkative" with hiccups. He also presented with a noticeable limp and stumbled at times. Body camera footage, released days later, showed Woods interacting with officers and undergoing sobriety tests. He was also observed on his phone, later stating to a deputy that he had been "just talking to the president."
Questioning and Prescription Medications
During questioning, Woods denied consuming alcohol, which was consistent with subsequent breathalyzer results that detected no alcohol in his system ("triple zeroes"). However, he informed investigators he had taken "a few" prescription medications earlier that day, including Vicodin (hydrocodone), medication for high blood pressure, cholesterol medication, and ibuprofen.
Field Sobriety Tests
Woods participated in field sobriety exercises. Officers observed multiple signs of impairment, including difficulty maintaining balance, failure to follow instructions, and struggles with coordination tasks. He was repeatedly instructed to keep his head stationary during specific tests.
Arrest and Post-Arrest Details
Based on these observations, a deputy informed Woods:
"I do believe your normal faculties are impaired, and you're under an unknown substance, so at this time you're under arrest for DUI."
Woods reportedly expressed surprise, asking, "I'm being arrested?" He was then handcuffed.
A subsequent search after his arrest revealed two white pills in Woods' left pants pocket. Woods identified one as Norco, a painkiller containing acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Authorities later confirmed the pills contained hydrocodone, a semi-synthetic opioid.
Woods consented to a breathalyzer test but declined to provide a urine sample for drug testing. Under Florida law, refusing an officer's request for a breath, blood, or urine test is classified as a misdemeanor, even for a first offense.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Woods was arrested and charged with misdemeanor driving under the influence (DUI) with property damage, and misdemeanor refusal to submit to a lawful test. He also received a civil infraction citation for careless or reckless driving, carrying a $163 fine. After medical clearance at a local hospital, he was transported to Martin County jail and held for the mandatory eight hours before posting $1,150 bail.
On the Tuesday following his arrest, Woods, through his attorney Douglas Duncan, filed a waiver of arraignment and demand for a jury trial, entering a plea of not guilty to the DUI charges. This action meant Woods was not required to appear in person for the initial arraignment previously scheduled for April 23. A court hearing to assess trial readiness was subsequently scheduled for May 5.
Medical History and Treatment Plans
Woods disclosed a history of extensive medical conditions, including seven back surgeries since 2014 and over 20 operations on his legs. He was noted to be wearing a compression sleeve on his right knee and stated his ankle can seize while walking. He had recently undergone his seventh back surgery in October (some sources say September).
On Tuesday, Woods released a statement announcing his decision to seek treatment:
"I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery."
On Wednesday, a Martin County judge approved Woods' request to travel outside the United States for "comprehensive inpatient treatment" at an overseas facility. His attorney argued that the recommendation for out-of-country treatment came from Woods' treating physician, citing a "complex clinical presentation" and an "urgent need for a level of care that cannot safely or effectively be done within the United States" due to repeated privacy compromises. Prosecutors did not oppose the motion. Woods reportedly arrived in Zurich, Switzerland, to begin treatment.
Professional Impact and Background
Professional Impact
Woods' decision to seek treatment led to an announcement from the PGA of America that he would not serve as captain of the 2027 US Ryder Cup team. The Masters, PGA of America, and PGA Tour issued statements expressing support for Woods' decision to prioritize his health and well-being. A PGA Tour spokesperson indicated Woods would return to his role as chairman of the PGA Tour's Future Competition Committee when he is ready.
Woods had recently participated in the TGL indoor golf league finals on March 24. His last PGA Tour-level event was the 2024 British Open, where he missed the cut. He had not confirmed participation in the upcoming Masters tournament.
Prior Incidents and Medical History
This incident marks Woods' second DUI arrest and his fourth reported car crash. In May 2017, Woods was arrested on suspicion of DUI, with a toxicology report later finding hydrocodone along with four other drugs in his system; he subsequently sought treatment for prescription drug use and pleaded guilty to reckless driving. In February 2021, he was involved in a single-car rollover crash in California, sustaining multiple fractures to his right leg, ankle, and foot, requiring several surgeries. A previous car crash in 2009 also garnered significant media attention.