The Martin County Sheriff's office in Florida, USA, reported the arrest of Tiger Woods (50 years old), the former world number one professional golfer, on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol. This followed after his Land Rover flipped over on a two-lane road near his home on Jupiter Island in Florida last Friday.
Woods, who has won 15 major championships, was later released as Florida law requires at least eight hours in jail before bail can be posted.
Sheriff John Bodensiek said in a press conference that Woods was attempting to overtake a work truck towing a trailer at high speed when he collided with the rear of the trailer, causing his vehicle to flip onto the driver's side. There were no reports of injuries to Woods or the driver of the other vehicle, while Woods exited through the passenger door before the arrival of the police forces.
Woods charged with 3 misdemeanors
The alcohol test at Martin County Jail showed no traces of alcohol, and investigators believe his impaired state was due to drugs or medications.
Woods refused to submit to a urine test, which constitutes a separate offense under Florida law.
Woods was charged with driving under the influence, causing property damage, and refusing to submit to a legal test—all misdemeanors.
Trump sends a message of support
President Donald Trump commented, saying he felt sorry upon hearing about the accident. Trump added: "I feel very sorry. There was an accident. He's facing some troubles. There was an accident, and that's all I know. He is a very close friend of mine. He is a wonderful person and a special man."
This was the second time Woods faced driving under the influence charges, after being arrested in 2017 in Jupiter, Florida, and later admitting to reckless driving.
Woods suffered a serious car accident in February 2021, resulting in severe fractures in his right leg.
Woods is widely regarded as one of the greatest golf players in history. He has won 15 major championships, ranking second after Jack Nicklaus, who won 18 titles, and 82 PGA Tour titles, a record he shares with Sam Snead.
His major titles include five Masters Tournaments, three U.S. Open championships, and three British Open championships.
Woods spent 683 weeks as the world number one, and he is the only player to have won all four major titles at the same time, an achievement known as the "Tiger Slam" during the 2000-2001 seasons.
He also won the 2000 U.S. Open by a whopping 15 strokes, the largest margin of victory in major championships history. Woods' victory at the 2019 Masters Tournament, his last major title, is considered an unprecedented comeback in sports history after years of back injuries that weakened him and personal issues that threatened to end his career.
