Tiger Woods faces DUI charge after rollover crash in Florida
JUPITER ISLAND, FLORIDA: Golf legend Tiger Woods was arrested on Friday afternoon, March 27 after a serious car crash in Jupiter Island, Florida. Police say the 50-year-old lost control of his vehicle while trying to overtake a truck at high speed, causing it to roll over. The incident happened just before 2.pm on South Beach Road, according to local authorities. He has now been charged with driving under the influence.
What did police report after Tiger Woods’ rollover crash?
Police confirmed that Tiger Woods has been charged with driving under the influence. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office also said the 15-time major champion faces additional charges for property damage and refusing to take a required test.
After the crash, Woods had to crawl out through the passenger side of his vehicle. He passed a breathalyzer test, showing no alcohol in his system, but refused to take a urine test.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek: “Mr. Woods did a breathalyzer test, blew triple zeros, but when it came time for us to ask for a urinalysis test, he refused and so he’s been charged with DUI, with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.” pic.twitter.com/UbHlOfAPAB
— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) March 27, 2026
Speaking at a news conference, Sheriff John Budensiek said officers noticed signs that Woods may have been impaired.
“The DUI investigators came to the scene and Mr Woods did exemplify signs of impairment. They did several tests on him. He did explain the injuries and surgeries that he's had and we did take that into account, but they did some in-depth roadside tests.”
They carried out several roadside tests and also considered his past injuries and surgeries. After their checks, Woods was arrested and taken to the Martin County Jail.
“When it was determined, he was placed under arrest and taken to the Martin County jail. At the Martin County jail, and even on scene, we were really not suspicious of alcohol being involved in this case and that proved to be true.”
The sheriff added that police did not suspect alcohol was involved, which was confirmed by the breath test results. However, because Woods refused the urine test, officials cannot be certain what may have caused his impairment. Budensiek also said Woods was cooperative but careful not to say anything that could be used against him.
Sheriff John Budensiek said Woods would be held in jail for eight hours before being released on bond. He also clarified that the charges are misdemeanors, not serious felony offenses.
Tiger Woods was injured in car crash in 2021
In 2021, Tiger Woods was seriously injured in a car crash in Southern California.
The SUV he was driving, a 2021 Genesis GV80, ended up several feet from the center divider in an area known for frequent accidents, officials said. Authorities found no signs of impairment and called the crash “purely an accident.”
After the crash, Woods told Golf Digest that he started a long recovery, which included spending three months in a hospital-type bed at home. The accident, along with years of back, knee, and leg problems, has forced him to step back from competitive golf at times.
In 2017, Woods was arrested for suspected driving under the influence in Jupiter, Florida. Reports said he was asleep in his car and had to be woken up. He was later released on his own recognizance.
Woods was also involved in a single-car crash in 2009 while backing out of the driveway at his Orlando-area home. Woods, who had multiple surgeries in 2025 to treat back and Achilles injuries, has been working to get back into professional golf. He made his return from injury on Tuesday, March 24, playing at Jupiter Links Golf Club during Game 2 of the TGL Finals at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens.
