Tiger Woods arrested and charged with driving under influence after Florida car crash

Tiger Woods has been arrested and charged with driving under the influence following a rollover car crash, police have said.

Sheriff John Budensiek of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office in Florida told reporters that Woods, 50, displayed “signs of impairment” after the incident, which occurred shortly after 2 pm local time.

According to Budensiek, Woods was driving a Range Rover and tried to overtake a truck "at high speeds" before it swerved and rolled onto its side. Budensiek could not confirm the speed, but revealed the road was a 30mph speed limit. 

Woods took a breathalyser test at the scene, which came back negative, but he refused to provide a urine sample, Budensiek said.

In addition to the DUI charge, Woods faces charges for property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.

"Our DUI investigators came to the scene and Mr. Woods did exemplify signs of impairment," Budensiek said. 

"Of course he did explain the injuries and 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."

Budensiek added: "They believe it was some kind of medication or drugs. He cooperated with the breathalyzer, but did not cooperate with the urine test."

Woods was said to have been alone in the car.

It is not known if Woods was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, as he "crawled out of the passenger door" prior to police arriving at the scene.

A photo taken by WPTV in West Palm Beach showed Woods' vehicle turned on the driver's side.

The crash happened in the same town where Woods lives in Martin County.

Authorities confirmed a two-vehicle collision, and that both drivers avoided any injuries. 

U.S. President Donald Trump said of Woods' car crash in Florida. 

"I feel so badly, he's got some difficulty that was an accident and that's all I know," said Trump.

"He's a very close friend of mine, an amazing person, an amazing man, but some difficulty." 

Today's shocking news marks Woods’ second car crash in just over five years.

In February 2021, Woods sustained severe leg injuries in a single-vehicle crash outside Los Angeles. 

His SUV rolled multiple times, leaving him trapped inside. 

During emergency surgery, Woods underwent procedures to repair “open fractures” in his lower right leg, including the insertion of a rod in his tibia and screws and pins in his foot and ankle. 

He remained in hospital for three weeks following the operation.

At the 2021 Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas, Woods reflected on the severity of the accident, saying: “I’m lucky to be alive and also have a limb,” noting there had been a 50-50 chance part of his right leg could have required amputation.

He underwent at least one additional surgery related to the crash injuries in April 2023.

It's also the second time Woods has been arrested. In 2017, Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in Jupiter, Florida. An incident report at the time said that he was asleep and "had to be woken up." 

Today's bombshell incident comes just days after Woods made his highly anticipated return to the sport during a Tuesday evening appearance at the TGL finals, where he was watched by his girlfriend Vanessa Trump.

The 82-time PGA Tour winner had been considering a potential return to competitive action at The Masters in two weeks' time at Augusta National. 

However, his comeback had been uncertain following a seventh back surgery last October.

Speaking earlier this week, Woods admitted his physical condition remains inconsistent.

“Sometimes I have good days, sometimes I have bad days,” said Woods. 

“Disc replacement is not a lot of fun… the body doesn’t quite heal like it did when I was 24. Some days I can do almost anything, and other days it’s hard just to move around.”

Woods' car crash and arrest took place just hours after he had officially registered for the 46th US Senior Open, scheduled for early July.

However, a USGA spokesperson confirmed Woods “will not make a decision about playing until a later date.”

Woods has not played in a Tour event since missing the cut at The Open at Royal Troon in July 2024.