Tiger Woods in Fresh Trouble After Crash, Steps Away to Seek Treatment
Golf icon, Tiger Woods has announced he is temporarily stepping away from the spotlight to focus on his health after being involved in a dramatic car crash that has now led to criminal charges.
The 50-year-old said in a statement that he would be taking time off to seek treatment and prioritise his well-being, describing the decision as necessary for his recovery.
Authorities say Woods has been charged with two misdemeanors — driving under the influence and refusing to submit to a lawful test. Court documents show he pleaded not guilty to both charges.
The incident happened near his home in Martin County, Florida when his vehicle was involved in a rollover crash. According to an arrest affidavit, Woods was sweating heavily and had extremely dilated pupils when deputies arrived at the scene.
Officers said he failed a field sobriety test and appeared unfit to drive. His driver’s license has since been suspended.
During the arrest, deputies reportedly discovered two pills of Hydrocodone — a prescription opioid commonly used to treat severe pain — in his pocket.
The crash occurred after Woods’ Land Rover crossed double solid lines and attempted to maneuver around another vehicle towing a trailer. His SUV struck the trailer and flipped onto its side.
Woods reportedly told deputies he didn’t notice the other vehicle slowing down because he was looking at his phone and adjusting the radio station. He also said he had not consumed alcohol but admitted taking “a few” prescription medications earlier in the day.
Due to multiple injuries from past surgeries — including seven back procedures and more than 20 operations on his leg — Woods carried out some of the sobriety tests while seated on a patrol vehicle.
A breath test later conducted at the Martin County Jail showed a 0.000 alcohol reading. However, authorities say Woods refused to take a urine test to check for drugs.
The situation echoes his 2017 arrest, when prescription drugs were also found in his system. In that case, Woods later pleaded guilty to reckless driving and completed probation conditions including DUI classes and community service.
The latest setback adds to a turbulent stretch for the 15-time major champion, who has been battling injuries for years while attempting to return to top-level golf.
Since his serious crash in Los Angeles County in 2021, Woods has played in just 11 tournaments and completed only four.
Speaking recently after a match in the TGL indoor golf league, Woods admitted his body is no longer recovering the way it once did.
“I’m trying,” he said. “But my body doesn’t recover like when I was 24 or 25. I’ve had some bad injuries over the past year. It takes time — but I keep fighting because I still want to play.”
