JUPITER ISLAND, Fla. — Tiger Woods, the 15-time major champion and one of golf's most enduring figures, was involved in a single-vehicle rollover crash last week that led to his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by ESPN through an open records request, Woods told authorities he was looking down at his cell phone and changing the radio station in his SUV moments before the collision, which caused him to miss a truck slowing down ahead.
The incident occurred on Friday in Martin County, Florida, near Woods' home on Jupiter Island. Woods, 50, was driving a Range Rover SUV that clipped a trailer being hauled by a truck as it slowed to turn into a driveway. The SUV then swerved, flipped onto its side, and slid down the road. Woods managed to climb out through the passenger window, according to the affidavit written by Martin County Sheriff's Deputy Tatiana Levenar.
Deputy Levenar arrived at the scene and noted that Woods was "sweating profusely," with movements that were "lethargic and slow" during their interview. Another deputy observed "several signs of impairment" and requested a DUI investigation to ensure Woods could safely operate a vehicle at the time of the crash, Levenar wrote.
Woods agreed to perform field sobriety exercises, but his performance raised concerns. During one test, where he was instructed to follow the tip of a pen with his eyes only, Woods "continuously moved his head from side to side and had to be instructed several times to keep his head straight," the affidavit states. In another exercise involving slapping his hands and counting, "He counted out loud, 'one,' 'two,' but did not make contact with his hands between each count."
Levenar concluded in the affidavit: "Based on my observations of Woods, how he performed the exercises and based on my training, knowledge, and experience, I believed that [Woods'] normal facilities were impaired, and he was unable to safely operate the motor vehicle." Woods was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek clarified on Friday that Woods' breathalyzer test showed no signs of alcohol impairment. However, Woods refused a urinalysis test for other drugs, according to the sheriff. The affidavit mentions that Woods admitted to taking "a few" prescription medications earlier that morning, though the names were redacted. Deputies also found two hydrocodone pills in Woods' left pants pocket.
When asked if he had consumed any alcohol, Woods replied: "None." His eyes, once he removed his sunglasses, were described as "bloodshot and glassy" with "extremely dilated" pupils. Woods explained his physical limitations during the tests, citing seven back surgeries and more than 20 operations on his right leg from a severe car wreck outside Los Angeles in February 2021.
"I asked Woods if he was able to perform tasks such as walking and lifting his leg, Woods advised he has a limp and his ankle seizes while walking," Levenar wrote. Due to his medical condition, she allowed him to sit on the bumper of a police cruiser for the remainder of the investigation. During the exercises, Woods was observed "limping and stumbling to the right."
After his arrest, Woods was transported to the Cleveland Clinic ER South but refused all medical treatment. He was then taken to the Martin County Jail, where he was held until posting a $1,000 bond later that Friday night. As of Tuesday morning, neither Woods nor the PGA Tour had issued public comments on the arrest.
This crash marks another chapter in Woods' history of high-profile incidents behind the wheel. In February 2021, he suffered serious leg injuries in a single-car accident in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, which required multiple surgeries and sidelined him from competitive golf for an extended period. That crash was attributed to loss of control on a winding road, with no alcohol or drugs involved, according to investigators at the time.
Woods has been open about his reliance on pain medications following those injuries and his extensive surgical history. In interviews leading up to major tournaments, he has discussed managing chronic pain from his back and legs, conditions that have plagued his career in recent years. His most recent competitive appearance was at the PGA Championship in May, where he missed the cut but showed signs of progress in his recovery.
The Jupiter Island crash comes at a time when Woods is preparing for the upcoming Ryder Cup and other events, serving as a vice captain for the U.S. team. Golf officials and fans have long admired Woods' resilience, but this incident has drawn renewed attention to his health and personal challenges. Sheriff Budensiek emphasized that the investigation focused on ensuring road safety, stating that the breathalyzer results cleared alcohol but left other questions unanswered due to the refused test.
Legal experts familiar with Florida DUI laws note that refusal to submit to chemical testing can lead to automatic license suspension and may strengthen the case for impairment based on field sobriety observations. Woods' attorney has not yet responded to requests for comment, and the case remains under review by the Martin County State Attorney's Office. If charged formally, Woods could face up to a year in jail and fines for the misdemeanor counts.
Beyond the legal ramifications, the crash has sparked discussions within the golf community about athlete wellness and the pressures of chronic injury management. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan has previously supported Woods through his recoveries, praising his contributions to the sport. As Woods continues his comeback, this episode underscores the ongoing scrutiny faced by public figures navigating personal and professional hurdles.
Neither the sheriff's office nor Woods' representatives have provided updates on his condition following the release from jail. The PGA Tour, which has stood by Woods through past controversies including his 2009 infidelity scandal and subsequent personal struggles, appears to be maintaining silence for now. Observers await any statement that might address the incident and its potential impact on his schedule.
In the broader context of sports and impairment, incidents like this highlight the importance of education on prescription drug use among athletes. Woods' case, while unique due to his fame, echoes concerns raised in other high-profile arrests involving painkillers. As investigations continue, the golf world watches closely, hoping for a resolution that allows the legend to focus on what he does best: competing on the course.