The 15-time major champion was detained following a rollover crash near his Florida home, marking another legal setback for the golf icon.
Tiger Woods was arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) on Friday following a single-vehicle rollover crash near his Florida residence, authorities have confirmed. The incident plunges the 15-time major champion’s career into fresh turmoil as he faces yet another legal battle stemming from an incident behind the wheel.
Woods, 50, escaped physical injury but was taken into custody after his vehicle struck a truck while attempting to overtake on a quiet residential road on Jupiter Island. The collision caused Woods’s vehicle to flip onto its side before sliding to a stop, according to a statement from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
First responders arrived at the scene shortly after the crash was reported. Woods was alone in the vehicle at the time of the incident and was assessed by emergency personnel before being detained.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek confirmed that Woods showed signs of “impairment” during the subsequent traffic stop and field evaluation. However, in a detail that adds complexity to the case, the sheriff’s office noted that Woods passed a breathalyzer test administered at the scene. Authorities have not yet disclosed what substance may have contributed to the alleged impairment, and investigations are ongoing.
This is not the first time the golf legend has faced legal trouble related to driving. Woods was previously arrested for driving under the influence in May 2017, when he was found asleep at the wheel of his parked car on the side of a Florida roadway. In that instance, he later attributed the incident to an unexpected reaction to prescription medication following back surgery.
The latest arrest comes at a turbulent time for Woods, who has spent the past several years battling a series of injuries and working to remain competitive at the highest levels of the sport. Since his historic 2019 Masters victory—his first major title in over a decade—Woods has undergone multiple surgeries, limiting his appearances on the PGA Tour.
News of the arrest quickly reverberated across the sports world, with fans and analysts expressing a mix of concern and disappointment. Woods’s legal team has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the charges.
The golfer was booked at the Martin County Jail and later released on his own recognizance. A court appearance is expected in the coming weeks as the legal process unfolds.
Woods, widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in sports history, has seen his legacy shaped not only by his record-breaking accomplishments on the golf course but also by a series of highly publicized personal and legal struggles over the past two decades.
