Tiger Woods has said he will step away from golf to seek treatment after being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence following a rollover crash near his Florida home. In a statement posted on X, the 50-year-old golf star said he was committed to prioritising his well-being and working toward lasting recovery.
Woods pleaded not guilty to DUI and demanded a jury trial after the crash on a residential road near his Jupiter Island home. According to a probable cause affidavit, Woods told deputies he was looking down at his phone and changing the radio station before the incident. He failed to notice a vehicle slowing down, attempted to pass it by crossing a double yellow line, and struck it with his Land Rover, causing his vehicle to roll onto its side.
The affidavit noted that officers observed “several signs of impairment”, including profuse sweating, sluggish movement, and bloodshot eyes. Woods said he had not consumed alcohol but had taken prescription medications including Vicodin, as well as medication for blood pressure and cholesterol. He failed field sobriety tests and was arrested at 3.12 pm. A search later uncovered two hydrocodone pills in his pocket.
Woods submitted to a breath test that showed no alcohol in his system but refused to provide a urine sample for drug testing. He was charged with refusal to submit to testing in addition to DUI with property damage. The other driver, Jeremy Bullard, reported no injuries, and damage to the trailer was estimated at roughly $5,000.
Donald Trump said he spoke with Woods after the incident, noting that Woods “lives a life of pain” due to his injury history but is “doing great”. Trump added that Woods does not have an alcohol problem but does have pain. Woods has undergone seven back surgeries and more than 20 operations on his leg.
