Tiger Woods was arrested Friday afternoon on suspicion of driving under the influence after his Land Rover rolled over following a collision with a work truck on Jupiter Island, Florida. The 50-year-old golf legend was uninjured in the crash, which occurred around 2 p.m. near his home on the exclusive island community.
According to Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek, Woods was traveling at high speed on South Beach Road when he attempted to overtake a truck pulling a pressure-washing trailer. The two-lane residential road has a 30 mph speed limit and lacks shoulders for vehicles to safely move aside. When the truck driver slowed to turn into a driveway, Woods swerved to avoid a collision but clipped the trailer's rear end.
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
John Budensiek, Martin County Sheriff โ The Independent
The impact caused Woods' vehicle to roll onto its driver's side and skid down the road. Emergency responders found Woods outside the vehicle after he had crawled through the passenger door. Drug Recognition Experts assessed him at the scene and determined he showed signs of impairment, leading to his arrest.
Our DUI investigators came to the scene here and Mr. Woods did exemplify signs of impairment
John Budensiek, Martin County Sheriff โ The Independent
At the Martin County jail, Woods passed a breathalyzer test showing no alcohol in his system but refused to provide a urine sample for drug testing. This refusal constitutes a separate misdemeanor charge under Florida law. Investigators suspect his impairment was related to medication or drugs rather than alcohol, though no medication was found in his vehicle.
Woods faces three misdemeanor charges: driving under the influence, property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test. Under Florida law, he must remain in jail for at least eight hours before posting bail. Sheriff Budensiek confirmed Woods was being held separately from other inmates for his safety.
This marks Woods' second DUI arrest. In 2017, he was found asleep behind the wheel of his car in Jupiter with the engine running, later pleading guilty to reckless driving after attributing his condition to a problematic mix of prescription painkillers.
The arrest comes just days after Woods returned to competitive golf, representing Jupiter Links Golf Club in a TGL Finals match on Tuesday. It was his first appearance since missing the cut at the 2024 British Open. Woods has not confirmed whether he plans to compete in the upcoming Masters tournament, which begins April 9 in Augusta.
Woods' career has been marked by numerous injuries over the past two decades, including multiple back surgeries, ACL reconstruction, Achilles tendon ruptures, and chronic knee issues. He suffered severe leg fractures in a serious car crash in February 2021, which significantly limited his competitive schedule.
Provides comprehensive coverage of the incident with detailed police account. Emphasizes the factual circumstances while noting Woods' cooperation with authorities despite refusing the urine test.
Reports the incident straightforwardly while providing context about Woods' previous DUI arrest. Includes Trump's sympathetic comments about his friend's difficulties.
Focuses on the factual details of the arrest and charges. Contextualizes the incident within Woods' injury history and recent return to competitive golf.
Provides brief factual coverage emphasizing Woods remained uninjured. Notes he passed alcohol test but refused drug screening.