Tiger Woods Arrested for DUI Following Rollover Car Crash in Florida
Golf icon Tiger Woods has been arrested and charged with driving under the influence after being involved in a dramatic rollover car crash on Friday afternoon in Florida. The Martin County Sheriff's Office confirmed the incident, which took place on Jupiter Island, where the 50-year-old Woods resides, shortly after 2pm local time.
Woods was assessed by Drug Recognition Experts at the scene and, after displaying signs of impairment, was taken to the county jail for further testing. Sheriff John Budensiek emphasised that while no injuries were sustained, the situation "could've been a lot worse."
How the Crash Unfolded
During a press conference, Sheriff Budensiek detailed the initial investigation into the crash. A truck with a pressure-washing apparatus was driving down South Beach Road and began turning into a driveway, slowing down. The driver of that vehicle noticed a dark-coloured Land Rover approaching at speed, attempting to overtake.
The truck driver tried to edge off the side of the narrow two-lane road to avoid a collision, but there was "no shoulder" available. Woods, identified as the driver of the Land Rover, swerved at the last minute to avoid the truck but clipped the end of the trailer carrying the pressure cleaning apparatus. This caused his vehicle to list to the side, roll onto the driver's door, and skid down the road.
"The individual driving that Land Rover was able to crawl out the passenger door of the car and was identified to be Mr. Tiger Woods," Budensiek stated.
Why Woods Was Arrested
After roadside tests by responding officers, Woods was deemed under the influence and arrested. "Our DUI investigators came to the scene here and Mr. Woods did exemplify signs of impairment," Budensiek explained. "They did several tests on him. Of course, he did explain the injuries and the surgeries that he had. We did take that into account, but they did do some in-depth roadside tests. And when it was determined, he was placed under arrest and taken to the Martin County jail."
Woods passed a breathalyser test at the jail but refused to provide a urine sample for analysis. Budensiek noted that Woods was "co-operative while not trying to incriminate himself." The suspicion is that he was under the influence of medication or drugs rather than alcohol, though no medication was found in his car. "We will never get definitive results as to what he was impaired on at the time of the crash," Budensiek added, acknowledging Woods' right to refuse testing.
Woods has been charged with DUI, with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. These are misdemeanour charges rather than felonies.
Injury Report and Speed Concerns
It was confirmed that neither Woods, who was alone in his Land Rover, nor the driver of the pressure washer vehicle were injured in the crash. Speaking about Woods, Budensiek said, "He was not injured. Again, he was lethargic on scene, but that we believe was because of what he was intoxicated on."
Budensiek also expressed relief that no passers-by were hurt, highlighting the potential severity of the incident on the small road. "Thankfully no (nobody was injured). 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. This could have been a lot worse."
Authorities could not provide an exact speed for Woods' car at the time of the crash but indicated it was significantly higher than the 30mph speed limit. "If the question is 'can I give you a general idea of how fast,' the answer is I can't but I can tell you this and when I show you photos, they kind of speak for themselves," Budensiek remarked.
Jail Time and Reactions
Under Florida state law, Woods must remain in jail for at least eight hours before being released on bond, assuming he posts bail. Budensiek confirmed that Woods will be isolated in his own cell for safety, denying any preferential treatment. "We know we arrested a high profile figure. I'm not trying to dramatise, but it doesn't matter who you are. If you break the law, we're going to follow the law," he stated.
US President Donald Trump commented on the crash, expressing sympathy for his close friend. "He's got some difficulty," Trump said. "There was an accident and that's all I know. He's a very close friend of mine, he's an amazing person, an amazing man. Some difficulty, I don't want to talk about it." While the golf world has reacted online, few of Woods' professional adversaries have issued statements.
Woods' History with Car Crashes
This marks the third major crash Woods has been involved in and the second time it has led to a DUI arrest. He was previously taken into custody for driving under the influence in Florida in 2017, after which he checked into a clinic for prescription medication issues.
Woods was also involved in a high-profile rollover crash in California in 2021, which resulted in serious injuries. Authorities reported he was driving at least twice the 45mph speed limit when his SUV struck a tree, causing the vehicle to fly through the air and land on its side. At the 2021 Hero World Challenge, Woods revealed, "I'm lucky to be alive and also have a limb," noting it was 50-50 whether part of his right leg would require amputation.
Impact on Golfing Comeback
Woods had been working his way back to golf following a seventh back surgery last September, and his status for next month's Masters remains uncertain. He recently returned to competitive action in a virtual league, admitting he got his "a*** kicked" after his team, Jupiter Links, lost in the TGL Finals.
His last official tournament was The Open in 2024, with a ruptured Achilles tendon in March 2025 keeping him off the course prior to back surgery. While the 15-time major champion has lifetime eligibility to play at The Masters as a five-time winner, Trump suggested a decision had already been made. "I love Tiger, but he won't be there," Trump said. "He'll be there, but he won't be playing in it."
This latest arrest may also affect his potential role as captain of Team USA at next year's Ryder Cup, an offer he confirmed he was considering.
