Tiger Woods was involved in a two-car car crash on Friday afternoon (US time) in Jupiter Island, Florida, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, and charged with suspicion of driving under the influence. At the police station, he refused to submit to a urinalysis and was booked into jail, with a possible release on bail on Friday evening.
The department said the accident occurred about 2pm. At a 5pm press conference, the Sheriff’s Office said a Land Rover overtook a truck at high speeds, swerved to avoid a collision with the truck’s pressure washer, clipped the washer and rolled past the truck.
Woods, 50, was able to climb out of the car through the passenger’s door. Woods was “lethargic” on scene, according to the department, but was not injured. However, officers said he showed signs of impairment.
Woods co-operated with a breathalyser test but refused a urine test, and was charged with a DUI, refusal to submit to a lawful test and property damage. According to the Sheriff John Budensiek, Woods showed signs of taking medications, but because he didn’t take the test “we will never find out” what impaired Woods. The charge is a misdemeanour.
Andrew Metcalf, a criminal defence attorney in Indian River County, told Golf Digest that while all three charges are misdemeanours, their combination elevates the severity of his case. Furthermore, Woods received a diversion program when arrested in 2017, making a second offer unlikely. Though he faced no charges from the 2021 accident, that history could pressure the state attorney to pursue this case more aggressively.
Woods’ manager did not respond to a Golf Digest request for comment.
In February 2021, Woods suffered multiple leg injuries in a single-car rollover crash in Los Angeles. He underwent emergency surgery at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center on open fractures affecting both the upper and lower portions of the tibia and fibula bones, with additional injuries to the bones of the foot and ankle stabilized with a combination of screws and pins. Trauma to the muscle and soft-tissue of the leg required surgical release of the covering of the muscles to relieve pressure due to swelling. The crash ultimately sidelined Woods for 15 months, not returning to play until the 2022 Masters.
Woods had previously been in another car incident, cited for reckless driving in 2017. It is unclear what impact the past charge could have on the severity of punishment for Friday’s arrest.
RELATED: Tiger Woods registered for US Senior Open, not listed in early field
Earlier this week, Woods made a public appearance at the TGL Finals on ESPN. He has not competed in an official tournament since 2024 as he rehabs a ruptured Achilles’ tendon last year and a back surgery during the fall. At the moment, Woods is still listed as an invitee to the 2026 Masters, which begins in less than two weeks, although US president Donald Trump said during a TV interview that Woods will not play.
This story will continue to be updated.
