Tiger Woods Arrested After Crash, Released on DUI Bail/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Tiger Woods was arrested on suspicion of DUI after a high-speed crash in Florida. Authorities said Woods showed signs of impairment but tested negative for alcohol. The golf legend was released on bail hours later and faces renewed scrutiny.
Tiger Woods DUI Crash Quick Looks
- Tiger Woods arrested after Florida crash
- Land Rover clipped truck and rolled over
- Authorities cite signs of impairment
- Breathalyzer showed no alcohol present
- Woods refused urine test, arrested
- Golfer released after mandatory jail period
- Crash occurred near Woods’ Jupiter Island home
- Fourth major car crash involving Woods
- Incident comes before Masters decision
- Woods recovering from recent back surgery
Deep Look: Tiger Woods Released on Bail After Crash and DUI Suspicion in Florida
JUPITER ISLAND, Fla. — Golf legend Tiger Woods was released on bail late Friday after being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence following a crash on a residential road in Florida, authorities said.
According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Woods was driving his Land Rover at what officials described as “high speeds” when the vehicle clipped a truck and rolled onto its side shortly before 2 p.m. Friday.
Sheriff John Budensiek said Woods showed signs of impairment following the crash. While Woods agreed to a Breathalyzer test, which showed no presence of alcohol, he refused a urine test. Under Florida law, Woods was arrested on suspicion of DUI and required to remain in custody for at least eight hours before posting bail.
Authorities believe Woods may have taken medication or another substance that contributed to the impairment.
Budensiek described Woods as lethargic at the scene but cooperative with investigators.
“He was cooperative, but he’s not trying to incriminate himself,” Budensiek said, noting that Woods had the legal right to refuse the urine test.
Because Woods declined the test, investigators may never determine definitively what caused the alleged impairment, the sheriff added.
Crash Details
Officials said the crash occurred on a two-lane residential road with a posted speed limit of 30 mph near Woods’ home on Jupiter Island.
Woods reportedly attempted to pass a pressure-cleaning truck traveling in the same direction. During the maneuver, his Land Rover swerved and clipped the back end of the truck’s trailer. The impact caused Woods’ vehicle to roll onto its driver’s side.
Authorities said Woods was not injured in the crash and was able to crawl out of the vehicle.
The driver of the truck was not reported injured.
Held Separately in Jail
Budensiek said Woods was held separately from other inmates during his mandatory detention period for safety reasons.
“He’s not going to be with other inmates that could hurt him or try to capitalize on what he did,” Budensiek said.
Woods was released later Friday after meeting the bail requirements.
Woods’ manager at Excel Sports did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the arrest.
Trump Reacts
President Donald Trump, whose former daughter-in-law is reportedly dating Woods, commented on the arrest Friday while arriving in Miami for an investment summit.
“I feel so badly. He’s got some difficulty,” Trump said. “Very close friend of mine. He’s an amazing person. Amazing man. But, some difficulty.”
Second DUI-Related Arrest Without Alcohol
This marks the second time Woods has faced DUI-related charges involving medication rather than alcohol.
In 2017, Woods was found asleep behind the wheel of his car with the engine running and vehicle damage visible. He later said he had taken a mix of prescription pain medications and pleaded guilty to reckless driving.
The latest incident adds to Woods’ long history of car accidents and health challenges.
Previous Car Crashes and Injuries
Woods has been involved in multiple vehicle accidents, including a serious crash in February 2021 near Los Angeles. That crash left him with severe leg and ankle injuries, and Woods later revealed doctors considered amputation.
Throughout his career, Woods has also undergone multiple knee and back surgeries.
Despite the injuries, Woods staged one of golf’s greatest comebacks by winning the 2019 Masters for his 15th major championship. He is tied with Sam Snead for the most PGA Tour wins at 82.
Since the 2021 crash, Woods has struggled to regain competitive form. He has played 11 tournaments but has not finished within 16 shots of the winner in events where he completed 72 holes.
Timing Raises Questions Ahead of Masters
The arrest comes at a crucial moment in Woods’ career planning.
The 50-year-old golfer was reportedly deciding whether he was physically fit to compete in the Masters, scheduled to begin April 9.
Woods was also scheduled to appear in Augusta, Georgia, on April 5 to unveil a golf course project with Masters chairman Fred Ridley.
Additionally, Woods was nearing a “soft deadline” to decide whether to serve as U.S. Ryder Cup captain for the 2027 matches in Ireland.
Ongoing Recovery
Woods has been attempting to return to competitive golf following a seventh back surgery in September.
His last official tournament appearance came at the 2024 British Open. In March 2025, Woods ruptured his Achilles tendon, sidelining him for the entire season even before undergoing back surgery.
Despite the setbacks, Woods recently participated in his indoor TGL golf league earlier this week.
He also remains heavily involved in PGA Tour leadership, serving as chair of the Future Competition Committee, which is helping reshape the tour’s structure.
Friday’s arrest introduces new uncertainty about Woods’ immediate future — both on and off the course.
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