Tiger Woods arrested on suspicion of DUI after involvement in car crash
Tiger Woods’ decision to play in the 2026 Masters became more complicated on Friday.
Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after a car crash in Jupiter Island, Florida, Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said during a news conference.
Budensiek said Woods was not injured. Woods complied with a Breathalyzer but refused a urine test.
Police on scene, ”believed that he was not impaired from alcohol but some type of medication or drug,” Budensiek said.
Woods, 50, spent much of the past year recovering from surgeries to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon and another for disc replacement in his back.
Woods last played the Masters in 2024, when he finished 60th. It was the last time he’s played all four rounds of a PGA Tour event. The 15-time major winner won the tournament in 2019, ‘05, ‘02, ‘01 and 1997. He has not yet revealed if he will play this year.
Woods teased a potential comeback earlier this week when he played in Tuesday’s TGL finals. His Jupiter Links GC team lost to the Los Angeles Golf Club.
In 2021, Woods survived a single-vehicle rollover crash in California. Authorities said he was traveling more than 80 mph, nearly twice the speed limit, before the crash. No charges were filed.
Woods underwent surgery for multiple leg injuries that were not life-threatening.
In 2017, Woods was arrested near his home in Jupiter Island after being found asleep in his car, which was stopped in a traffic lane with the engine running. He later said he had taken prescription medications and did not realize their combined effects.
Woods later pleaded guilty to reckless driving and was sentenced to a year of probation, a fine, community service and regular drug testing.
This story will be updated with more details.
About the Author
Fletcher Page is Athens bureau chief covering northeast Georgia for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
