Golf legend Tiger Woods has been released on bail hours after his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence following a single-vehicle rollover crash in Jupiter Island, Florida. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon, near the 15-time major champion’s residence, with authorities confirming no injuries to Woods or the driver of the other vehicle involved.
According to Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek, Woods’ Land Rover clipped a truck’s trailer while attempting to overtake it at high speed on a road with a 30 mph limit. The vehicle overturned onto its driver’s side and slid before coming to a stop on its side.
Police described Woods as appearing “lethargic” at the scene. Investigators suspected impairment possibly linked to medication. A breathalyser test returned negative, but Woods declined to provide a urine sample. Following roadside tests that indicated signs of impairment, he was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test which are misdemeanours, not felonies.
Woods was booked into the Martin County Jail around 3 p.m. and held for the minimum eight hours required under Florida law before being released on bond in the early hours of Saturday.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that Woods walked away from the crash unhurt, as did the other driver. No further injuries were reported.
It’s important to note that this latest traffic-related incident adds to Woods’ history of similar events. In 2017, he was arrested in Florida on suspicion of driving under the influence and later pleaded guilty to reckless driving. In February 2021, he survived a near-fatal single-car crash in California that caused severe leg injuries requiring multiple surgeries and a long recovery.
As of Saturday morning, neither Woods nor his representatives had issued a public statement on the arrest. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the crash.
The news has drawn widespread attention across sports and entertainment circles, with fans and analysts reflecting on the golfer’s ongoing challenges both on and off the course.