Golf icon Tiger Woods has been released on bail after his arrest for driving under the influence, following a car crash in Florida on Friday afternoon. The Martin County Sheriff's Office confirmed the incident, which involved a two-vehicle collision on Jupiter Island, where Woods resides.
Details of the Crash and Arrest
The crash occurred just after 2pm local time, when Woods' Land Rover clipped a pressure-washer vehicle at speed, causing it to flip over and skid down the road on the driver's side. Sheriff John Budensiek stated that Woods exhibited signs of impairment at the scene, leading to his arrest after roadside tests.
Woods was charged with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test, specifically declining a urine sample after passing a breathalyser test with "triple zeros." Authorities suspect he was under the influence of medication or drugs, though none were found in his vehicle.
No Injuries Reported
Budensiek expressed relief that no injuries resulted from the crash, noting it "could have been a lot worse." The driver of the pressure-washer truck emerged unharmed, and no passers-by were hurt. Woods, the sole occupant of his vehicle, was described as lethargic but uninjured.
The sheriff emphasised the potential danger, stating, "This is a small two-lane road. Had somebody been moving in the opposite direction, we would not be having a conversation saying there were no injuries."
Legal Proceedings and Release
Woods was detained for eight hours at Martin County jail before being released on bond in the early hours of Saturday morning. The charges are misdemeanours, not felonies, relating to the DUI offence and property damage.
Budensiek explained the investigation process: "Our DUI investigators came to the scene here and Mr Woods did exemplify signs of impairment. They did several tests on him. He did explain the injuries and surgeries that he's had and we did take that into account, but they did some in-depth roadside tests."
Historical Context of Woods' Crashes
This incident adds to Woods' history of high-profile car accidents:
- In 2021, he suffered serious injuries in a California rollover crash where he was driving at twice the speed limit, nearly losing his right leg.
- In 2017, he was arrested for DUI in Florida and entered a clinic for prescription medication issues.
- In 2009, he crashed into a fire hydrant and tree outside his home, leading to personal turmoil.
Reactions and Golf Career Implications
US president Donald Trump commented on the crash, expressing sympathy for his "close friend" Woods while noting, "He's got some difficulty." Trump also suggested Woods would not compete in the upcoming Masters tournament, despite lifetime eligibility as a five-time winner.
Woods has been recovering from a seventh back surgery last September and recently returned to competitive action in the TGL Finals, where his team lost. His last official tournament was The Open in 2024, followed by an Achilles tendon rupture in March 2025 that sidelined him before his back surgery.
The Martin County Sheriff's Office was not immediately available for further comment when contacted by media outlets.
