Tiger Woods found himself in a precarious situation Friday afternoon when his vehicle rolled over in a crash on Jupiter Island, Florida. The 50-year-old golf icon has since been arrested and charged with driving under the influence, according to police reports.
The incident unfolded shortly after 2 PM local time, as Woods’ Land Rover collided with a pressure-washer truck, resulting in a dramatic flip and skid down the road on its side. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the crash, as confirmed by Sheriff John Budensiek, who noted, “this could have been a lot worse.”
Despite the lack of injuries, the situation escalated when Woods refused to provide a urine sample after passing a breathalyzer test. Authorities suspect he may have been under the influence of medication or drugs, as he attempted to avoid self-incrimination. Notably, no medications were found in his vehicle.
“Our DUI investigators came to the scene here and Mr. Woods did exemplify signs of impairment,” Budensiek stated. He elaborated that Woods explained his past injuries and surgeries, which were taken into account during roadside tests. Ultimately, Woods was arrested and transported to the Martin County jail.
On the subject of Woods’ condition at the scene, Budensiek remarked, “He was not injured. Again, he was lethargic on scene, but that we believe was because of what he was intoxicated on.” The driver of the pressure-washer truck emerged unscathed, expressing gratitude that no pedestrians were harmed during the incident.
“This is a small two-lane road. Had somebody been moving in the opposite direction, we would not be having a conversation saying there were no injuries,” Budensiek added.
In response to the crash, former President Donald Trump expressed his concern for Woods, stating he “feels so badly” for his friend. “He’s got some difficulty,” Trump commented on the tarmac. “There was an accident and that’s all I know. He’s a very close friend of mine, he’s an amazing person, an amazing man. Some difficulty, I don’t want to talk about it.”
This incident marks another chapter in Woods’ tumultuous history with car accidents; he previously suffered serious injuries in a high-profile rollover crash in California in 2021. At that time, authorities reported he was driving at least twice the speed limit when his SUV struck a tree, leading to life-threatening injuries.
Reflecting on his recovery at the 2021 Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas, Woods stated, "I'm lucky to be alive and also have a limb,” revealing that amputation was a real possibility for part of his right leg.
Woods also faced DUI charges in Florida back in 2017, which led him to seek treatment for prescription medication. After undergoing a seventh back surgery last September, he has been working towards a return to golf, though his participation in next month’s Masters remains uncertain.
He recently admitted to getting his “a*** kicked” while competing in a virtual league with his team Jupiter Links, who lost in the TGL Finals. His last official tournament appearance was at The Open in 2024 before suffering an Achilles tendon rupture in March 2025 that sidelined him for the entire season prior to back surgery.
While Woods holds lifetime eligibility for The Masters as a five-time champion, Trump suggested that Woods may not participate this year. “I love Tiger, but he won’t be there,” Trump remarked during an appearance on “The Five” on FOX News. “He’ll be there, but he won’t be playing in it.”
