Golfer Tiger Woods Arrested on Suspicion of DUI After Florida Rollover Crash

Golf legend Tiger Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence late Friday following a single-vehicle rollover crash in Florida. Woods, who reportedly sustained no serious injuries in the incident, was released on bail hours after his arrest.

The Incident and Arrest

The crash occurred just before 2 pm (18:00 GMT) near Woods' home on Jupiter Island. His Land Rover reportedly clipped the back end of a pressure cleaner truck he was attempting to pass on a two-lane road, causing his vehicle to roll onto its driver's side. Woods was able to crawl out of the vehicle unassisted.

Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek stated that Woods had been traveling at "high speeds" and showed "signs of impairment" after the crash. Investigators suspect he may have been under the influence of medication or drugs. Woods was booked at the county jail in Stuart at approximately 3 pm and released on bail eight hours later, the minimum allowed by state law.

Signs of Impairment and Refusal

Sheriff Budensiek described Woods as lethargic. While Woods agreed to a Breathalyzer test that showed no signs of alcohol, he refused a urine test, leading to his arrest. The sheriff noted that Woods was "cooperative, but he's not trying to incriminate himself," and affirmed his right to refuse the urine test, making definitive conclusions on impairment difficult for authorities.

Prior Incidents and Legal History

This marks the second time the 50-year-old Woods has been arrested for a DUI, with previous incidents also not related to alcohol influence. In 2017, he pleaded guilty to reckless driving after being found asleep behind the wheel of his car, citing a "bad mix of painkillers."

The golf icon has also been involved in four car crashes in total. Most recently, in February 2021, his SUV veered off a coastal road in Los Angeles at high speed, resulting in severe leg and ankle injuries that doctors reportedly considered amputation.

Woods' Health and Career Outlook

Woods has a documented history of significant injuries throughout his golf career, including multiple surgeries on his left knee and back. He famously returned from several back surgeries to win the 2019 Masters, his 15th major title.

The latest incident comes as Woods was contemplating his fitness to play the Masters, which begins on April 9, and was days away from a "soft deadline" to decide on the US Ryder Cup captaincy for 2027. He has been working to recover from a seventh back surgery in September and ruptured his Achilles tendon in March 2025. Woods had recently played in an indoor TGL golf league and acknowledged the ongoing challenges of his recovery.

Key Takeaways

  • Golfer Tiger Woods was arrested on suspicion of DUI following a rollover crash in Florida.
  • He was released on bail hours after the incident and sustained no significant injuries.
  • Sheriff reported Woods showed "signs of impairment" and was lethargic, suspecting medication or drugs.
  • Woods refused a urine test, though a Breathalyzer showed no alcohol.
  • This is Woods' second DUI arrest and fourth car crash, occurring amidst ongoing injury recovery and career considerations.

Olley News Insight: Golf legend Tiger Woods' career has been marked by both unparalleled success and significant personal and health challenges, with recent incidents highlighting the ongoing struggles beyond the golf course and the intense scrutiny that accompanies his public life.