Golf legend Tiger Woods has been charged with driving under the influence after crashing his vehicle in Florida, authorities confirmed.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office said the 50-year-old golfer also faces charges of property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test following the incident on Friday afternoon in Jupiter Island.
According to Sheriff John Budensiek, Woods rolled his Land Rover after attempting to overtake a pressure cleaning truck “at a high rate of speed” on Beach Road shortly before 2:00 p.m. local time. The vehicle clipped the truck and flipped over, forcing Woods to crawl out through the passenger-side door. No injuries were reported in the crash.
Investigators said Woods showed signs of impairment during roadside evaluations. While he passed a breathalyser test with a reading of zero, indicating no alcohol in his system, he refused to submit to a urine test that could have determined whether other substances were involved. Under Florida law, refusing such a test can result in a separate charge.
Sheriff Budensiek said Woods was cooperative with officers but appeared cautious about self-incrimination during the investigation. He was arrested at the scene and taken to the Martin County Jail, where he is expected to remain for eight hours before being released on bond. Authorities said the charges filed against him are misdemeanours rather than felonies.
Woods reportedly told investigators about his history of injuries and surgeries, which officers said they took into account during their assessment. The golfer has undergone multiple procedures in recent years following serious injuries sustained in previous accidents.
U.S. President Donald Trump, a longtime acquaintance of Woods, commented on the incident Friday, saying he felt “so badly” about the crash and described Woods as “an amazing person.”