Tiger Woods Arrested for DUI After Car Accident in Florida

Tiger Woods Arrested on Suspicion of DUI After Traffic Accident

Professional golfer Tiger Woods was arrested on Friday on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) after a car accident near his residence in Jupiter Island, Florida. The incident involved Woods and a vehicle carrying pressure washing equipment, according to Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek. The accident occurred when Woods, driving a Land Rover northbound, attempted to overtake a truck that was preparing to enter an access road. Woods’ vehicle, trying to avoid the truck, impacted the rear of the trailer, causing the Land Rover to overturn and slide along the road. Woods managed to get out of the vehicle through the passenger window, without suffering any injuries, as did the other driver involved. The accident took place around 2 p.m. ET. The authorities arrested Woods on suspicion of misdemeanor DUI, with property damage and refusal to submit to a legal test. He was released on bail later that same Friday, after spending at least eight hours in jail, according to Florida law. Blood alcohol tests performed on Woods showed no signs of alcohol. However, he refused to submit to a urine test to detect other drugs.

Tiger Woods, standing next to his overturned Land Rover in Jupiter Island, Florida, was arrested on Friday at the scene of the accident on suspicion of DUI.DUI investigators at the scene determined that Woods was showing signs of impairment. Sheriff Budensiek mentioned that, although Woods’ explanations of his injuries and previous surgeries were taken into account, thorough tests were conducted at the scene.

“He was cooperative, but he wasn’t trying to incriminate himself. Therefore, he was careful about what he said and didn’t say,” the sheriff stated.

John Budensiek

Authorities believe Woods may have been under the influence of medication or drugs, although no substances were found in his vehicle. The sheriff did not specify the speed at which Woods was driving, but noted that the speed limit in the area is 30 mph. This incident revives a similar episode from May 2017, when Woods was arrested in Jupiter for driving under the influence, after being found asleep at the wheel of his vehicle. At that time, Woods admitted to having taken a combination of medications and pleaded guilty to reckless driving. In February 2021, Woods suffered serious injuries in a traffic accident in Los Angeles, which resulted in multiple fractures in his right leg and required several surgeries. Woods’ vehicle was traveling between 84 and 87 mph in an area with a 45 mph speed limit, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva. Woods, who has been recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon and back surgery, recently competed in the TGL finals, where his team lost. He was currently in the process of evaluating his possible return to the PGA Tour at the Masters, which would begin on April 9. The last time Woods competed on the PGA Tour was in July 2024, at the Open Championship in Scotland. Woods has been involved in shaping the future of the PGA Tour as chairman of the competition committee and player director on the PGA Tour’s board of directors.