Tiger Woods' latest crash marks his fourth high-profile car accident and second DUI charge
JUPITER ISLAND, FLORIDA: Golf legend Tiger Woods made headlines on Friday, March 27, after he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence following a car crash in Florida. It marked his fourth auto-related incident in his career, and his second involving suspected impaired driving. Here’s a look back at his previous crashes over the years.
2009: Tiger Woods crashed his Cadillac Escalade into a fire hydrant
On November 27, 2009, Tiger Woods ran out of his Orlando, Florida, home and crashed his Cadillac Escalade into a fire hydrant and a tree in a neighbor’s yard around 2.30 am, authorities said.
The crash came just two days after a tabloid story claimed Woods had been seeing a New York nightclub hostess and had recently traveled with her to Melbourne.
Police found Woods outside the house with his then-wife, Elin Nordegren, nearby. The police chief said Nordegren told officers she came outside after hearing the crash and broke the rear window with a golf club to help him get out of the car.
2017: Tiger Woods’ first DUI charge
Tiger Woods was first charged with driving under the influence in 2017 after police in South Florida found him asleep behind the wheel of his car with the engine still running.
The car was stopped in a traffic lane and had damage on the driver’s side. Woods later said he had taken a mix of prescription painkillers and reacted badly to them.
He pleaded guilty to reckless driving and joined a first-time DUI program to avoid jail. He was given one year of probation, a small fine, and community service.
2021: Tiger Woods survives a serious rollover crash
In February 2021, Tiger Woods survived a serious rollover crash when his SUV went off a coastal road in Los Angeles County at high speed, leaving him with major leg and ankle injuries.
The sheriff’s department said he was driving 84–87 mph (135–140 km/h) on a winding road with a 45 mph (72 km/h) speed limit when the crash happened. No charges were filed.
Doctors said he broke the tibia and fibula in his lower right leg in several places. A rod was put in the tibia, and screws and pins were used for injuries to his foot and ankle.
Woods spent three months unable to move, and his Florida home was set up with a temporary hospital bed, before he could start using crutches and eventually walk again. He said amputation of his right leg “was on the table.”
He missed the PGA Tour that year but made a comeback at the 2022 Masters.
2026: Tiger Woods charged with DUI after another rollover crash
Tiger Woods was released on bail on Friday night after his Land Rover hit a truck and tipped over in Jupiter Island.
According to Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek, the 50-year-old had been driving at high speeds on a residential road and showed signs of impairment, possibly from medication or drugs. Woods agreed to a breath test, which showed no alcohol, but he refused a urine test and was arrested. Alongside the DUI charge, the golf legend is also facing charges for property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
