Golf star Tiger Woods was arrested in Florida on Friday on suspicion of driving under the influence following a road accident, according to local authorities.
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Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said Woods was driving a Land Rover when it struck a pickup truck towing a small trailer. The impact caused Woods’ vehicle to overturn and come to rest on its side.
Crash leads to arrest
Deputies responding to the scene reported signs of impairment, Budensiek told reporters. Woods was later charged with driving under the influence, property damage and refusing to take a lawful test.
Officials said Woods was not injured in the crash. Television footage showed him leaving the Martin County Jail later the same day.
Investigators describe events
Authorities said their investigation indicated Woods was driving erratically shortly before the collision.
Budensiek explained that the pickup truck carrying a pressure-cleaning trailer was traveling north on South Beach Road and slowing to turn into a driveway. The driver noticed a dark Land Rover approaching quickly from behind.
The truck driver attempted to move to the side of the narrow two-lane road but had little space to do so. Investigators say the Land Rover tried to pass at speed, swerved at the last moment to avoid a direct crash, but clipped the trailer.
The contact caused the Land Rover to tip and roll onto the driver’s side. Woods then exited the vehicle through the passenger door and was identified by deputies at the scene.
Police said Woods cooperated with officers but was cautious in his responses during questioning.
Testing dispute and charges
According to Budensiek, Woods passed a breathalyzer test, recording zero alcohol in his system.
However, authorities said he refused to undergo a urine test at the jail, which led to the DUI charge under Florida law. Budensiek said refusal to submit to a requested test can still result in a charge if officers believe impairment is present.
Law enforcement officials stressed that Woods would not receive special treatment despite his high profile.
Budensiek said the sheriff’s office applies the same legal procedures to all suspects. At the same time, he noted that steps would be taken to ensure Woods’ safety while in custody, meaning he would not be placed in the general inmate population.
Comeback overshadowed
The arrest comes as Woods attempts to return to competitive golf after a series of major injuries. The 50-year-old has been working toward a comeback following a ruptured Achilles tendon last year and a seventh back surgery later in the year.
Woods recently appeared in the technology-driven golf league TGL and had been linked to a possible return to the The Masters next month.
His last appearance in a traditional tournament came in July 2024 at The Open Championship at Royal Troon Golf Club, where he missed the cut.
Woods previously faced a DUI arrest in 2017 and was cited for careless driving in 2009. He also survived a serious crash in 2021 near Los Angeles.
Speaking to reporters, Donald Trump, who described Woods as a friend, expressed concern after learning about the accident.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 28 March 2026