The Martin County Sheriff's Office in Florida, USA reported that Tiger Woods (50 years old), formerly the world's top-ranked professional golfer, was arrested for driving under the influence after his Land Rover overturned 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 him to be in jail for at least eight hours before posting bail.
Sheriff John Budensiek said in a press conference that Woods was trying to overtake a utility truck pulling a trailer at high speed when he collided with the rear of the trailer, causing his car to overturn on the driver's side seat. There were no reports of injuries to Woods or the other driver, and Woods exited through the passenger door before police arrived.
Woods Charged with 3 Misdemeanors
The alcohol test at Martin County Jail showed no traces of alcohol, and investigators believe his imbalance was related to drugs or medication.
Woods refused to take a urine test, which constitutes a separate charge 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
American President Donald Trump commented by saying he felt sorry when he heard about the accident. Trump added: "I feel deeply sorry. An accident happened. He is facing some difficulties. An accident happened, 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 a charge of driving under the influence after he was arrested in 2017 in Jupiter, Florida, and later pleaded guilty to reckless driving.
Woods was involved in a serious car accident in February 2021, which resulted in significant fractures in his right leg.
Woods is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers in history. He has won 15 major championships, ranking second after Jack Nicklaus, who won 18 titles, and 82 PGA Tour events, 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, the only player to have won all four major championships at the same time, an achievement he accomplished during the 2000-2001 seasons known as "Tiger Slam."
He also won the 2000 U.S. Open by a margin of 15 strokes, the widest margin of victory in the history of major championships. Woods' win at the 2019 Masters Tournament, his last major championship victory, is considered a rare comeback in sports history after years of back injuries that weakened him and personal issues that threatened to end his career.
