Tiger Woods Recounts 'Boom' Moment in Car Crash Bodycam Footage
Golf icon Tiger Woods has described the instant he crashed his car in newly released bodycam footage from Florida police, stating he looked down at his phone before feeling a sudden "boom." The fifteen-time major champion, aged 50, was arrested after emerging unhurt from the accident, which involved clipping a trailer and rolling his Range Rover.
Details of the Incident and Arrest
The crash occurred last week on Jupiter Island, Florida, where Woods was charged with driving under the influence, property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test. Following the incident, he was arrested and spent eight hours in jail on Friday before being released on bail. Martin County court documents reveal that Woods formally skipped his initial court appearance on Tuesday but entered a written plea of not guilty through his attorneys, demanding a jury trial.
The bodycam footage, released by the Martin County Sheriff's Office, shows Woods wearing sunglasses and kneeling on a grass verge near the accident site as officers assess him for injuries. When asked about the crash, Woods explained, "I look down at my phone and all of a sudden… boom." He assured police he was comfortable, responding, "Yeah, yeah," before being informed a doctor would check him over.
Scene of the Accident and Sobriety Tests
Police officers then approached the driver of the other vehicle, which was towing a trailer, while Woods' black Range Rover lay flipped on its side at a narrow junction. The other driver, also unharmed, reported being stationary in front of Woods' vehicle at the time of the collision. Additional footage captures Woods undergoing various sobriety tests, during which two hydrocodone pills—a prescription opioid for severe pain—were found in his pocket during a search.
When questioned by police about alcohol consumption, Woods stated he had drunk "none" that day. He admitted to taking medication, noting he had taken all his prescriptions earlier that morning. After the tests, officers handcuffed Woods, telling him, "At this time I do believe that your normal faculties are impaired and you're under an unknown substance, so you are under arrest for a DUI."
Historical Context and Career Impact
This marks the fourth motoring accident involving Woods since 2009. Throughout his career, he has undergone numerous surgeries, particularly to his leg and ankle following multiple injuries from a serious crash in 2021. Prior to this incident, speculation had swirled about whether Woods might compete at the Masters—an event he has won five times—next week. However, that possibility is now off the table.
In a related development, the PGA of America announced on Wednesday that Woods has declined the opportunity to captain the United States at the 2027 Ryder Cup. He stated he would step away from golf temporarily to focus on his health and wellbeing, underscoring the broader implications of this latest incident on his professional and personal life.
