Donald Trump reacts after Tiger Woods loses driving licence for five years

United States President Donald Trump has described Tiger Woods as a "very special guy" and said he is glad the golf legend's Florida driving case has been resolved following Wednesday's court hearing.

Trump was asked about Woods' plea agreement after the 15-time major champion appeared before a judge at the Martin County Courthouse in Stuart, Florida.

A reporter told Trump that Woods, who had famously called him while he was being arrested, had agreed to a five-year driving suspension as part of a plea deal.

Trump responded by pointing to Woods' ongoing physical problems and the prescription medication he was taking at the time of the incident.

"Well, look, I know Tiger very well. He's a great guy. He's unique in so many ways, especially as an athlete but also as a man," Trump said.

"He suffers great pain, great pain. It's a very tough situation because they didn't find alcohol on him. He didn't test positive at all for alcohol, but because of his horrible back, because he had, in my opinion, a bad doctor, but he had a back operation that did not work out well, and he is under pain.

"And so it's a tough deal when you're taking a painkiller because you're under pain and tremendous pain, and you have a problem and you test positive.

"He would have told him that. I mean, it's a prescription painkiller.

"But I thought it was very fair, he's going to have somebody drive him. I told him that a long time, 'why don't you just get somebody to drive you?' So he's going to have somebody drive him from now on, and you know, he's just a very special guy and I'm glad it's resolved."

Woods, 50, was in court on Wednesday morning as his defence team and prosecutors reached a last-minute agreement to bring an end to the criminal case.

The original allegations were reduced, with Woods pleading to reckless driving and careless driving. 

He was fined $1,000 on the reckless driving charge and a further $500 on the careless driving offence.

Both convictions carry a five-year driving ban, although the suspensions will run concurrently rather than consecutively.

The judge also delivered an unequivocal warning to Woods about the consequences of getting behind the wheel during that period.

"If you drive for any reason at all, you will be going back to jail," the judge told him.

Woods attended the hearing with his attorney, Douglas Duncan, and his girlfriend, Vanessa Trump. During the brief court appearance, Woods was seen looking in her direction on several occasions.

The plea agreement brings to a close a case that began after Woods was involved in a rollover crash near his Jupiter Island home on 27 March.

Woods had originally pleaded not guilty to misdemeanour charges of driving under the influence with property damage and refusing to submit to a lawful test. He was also cited for reckless driving.

Reports from the scene said Woods failed field sobriety tests and told officers he had taken several prescription medications earlier that day. 

Two loose pills were also found during a search of Woods and were subsequently identified as hydrocodone, an opioid medication commonly prescribed for pain relief.

Trump's comments centred heavily on Woods' physical condition, with the president arguing that the former World No.1's situation was complicated by the pain he had been experiencing following serious back problems.

Woods was arrested following the crash and taken to Martin County Jail before later acknowledging the seriousness of the situation.

In a statement published on social media, Woods announced that he would step away to seek treatment and focus on his health.

"I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today," Woods said.

"I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health.

"This is necessary in order for me to prioritise my well-being and work toward lasting recovery."

Woods subsequently entered a treatment program in Switzerland and spent almost three months away from the public eye. 

His treatment was briefly interrupted when he returned to the United States to support Vanessa Trump during her breast cancer diagnosis before later returning to the program.

He made his first public appearance following the crash at the Travelers Championship in June but did not discuss the incident or the ongoing legal proceedings.

Wednesday's hearing had initially been expected to represent another step in the legal process, but the agreement between Woods' legal team and prosecutors dramatically changed the direction of the case.

Most significantly, the reduced charges mean Woods has avoided a conviction on the original DUI allegations.

The consequences remain substantial, however. In addition to paying $1,500 in fines, Woods cannot legally drive for the next five years.

The case has also produced an unusual question for golf fans: whether Woods can still drive a golf cart despite losing his road licence.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appeared to provide some reassurance after Woods' hearing, saying the golf legend should still be able to drive a cart on a golf course.

"Tiger should be able to drive a golf cart on the golf course," DeSantis wrote on X.

That could prove particularly relevant if Woods eventually returns to competitive golf. 

The 82-time PGA Tour winner is now eligible for the PGA Tour Champions, where carts are permitted during competition.

For now, though, Woods' immediate focus appears to be on continuing his recovery away from the spotlight.

Trump, who has enjoyed a long-standing friendship with Woods, believes Wednesday's agreement provides a fair resolution.

And after a turbulent and difficult year for one of golf's most recognisable figures, the legal chapter is now finally closed.