New Delhi: Tiger Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence on Friday, March 27. The 15-time champion had been overtaking a truck pulling a trailer at a high speed, but clipped the back of it, which caused his Land Rover to roll over on a two-lane road near his home in Florida.
His car rolled onto its driver’s side, and the former world no.1 golf player crawled out the passenger door before law enforcement officers arrived, Sheriff John Budensiek told a press conference.
There was no trace of alcohol in Woods’ breathalyser test at Martin County Jail, but the investigators believed that his impairment was drug or medication-related. He also refused to submit to a urine test, an offence which carries separate charges under Florida law. Woods and the driver of the other vehicle have not suffered any injuries.
He was charged with DUI, property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test, all misdemeanour charges. Woods must remain in jail for at least eight hours before being released on bond, under Florida law. US President Donald Trump said he had heard about the accident.
“I feel so badly. There was an accident. He’s got some difficulty. There was an accident, and that’s all I know. A very close friend of mine. He’s an amazing person, amazing man,” Trump said.
Woods faces DUI charges for second time
This was the second time Woods had been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. He faced DUI charges in 2017, later pleading guilty to reckless driving. Woods was also involved in a major car crash in February 2021 and suffered severe leg fractures.
He has a history of injury that spans more than two decades and includes multiple back surgeries, ACL reconstruction, Achilles tendon ruptures and chronic knee issues. These injuries have limited his competitive schedule in recent years.