Tiger Woods Arrested on DUI Charge After Rollover Crash in Florida

Tiger Woods was arrested and jailed Friday afternoon on a DUI charge after a two-vehicle crash near his Jupiter Island home rolled his Land Rover onto its side.

When officers arrived at the scene, Woods showed signs of impairment, Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said at a news conference. A breathalyzer test did not detect alcohol in his system, but Woods refused a urinalysis and was arrested.

Woods was charged with DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test, both misdemeanors.

How the Crash Happened

The crash occurred when Woods tried to overtake a truck hauling a pressure cleaner trailer while heading northbound on South Beach Road. The truck's driver was attempting to turn left on the two-lane road, saw the Land Rover coming from behind and tried to move off the road but had nowhere to go.

The Land Rover clipped the truck and rolled onto its side. Woods climbed out through the passenger's side of his vehicle, and neither driver was injured.

Mr. Woods did exemplify signs of impairment. They did several tests on him. He did explain the injuries and surgeries he had; we did take that into account, but they did do some in-depth roadside tests, and when it was determined, he was taken under arrest.

— Martin County Sheriff John M. Budensiek

Seven Back Surgeries Since 2014

The crash came three days after Woods, 50, returned to competitive golf at the TGL Finals in nearby Palm Beach Gardens. Woods had surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon in April 2025, then lumbar disc replacement surgery in October.

It was his seventh back surgery since 2014.

Budensiek said officers took Woods' injuries and surgical history into account during roadside testing. "They did some in-depth roadside tests, and when it was determined, he was taken under arrest and taken to the Martin County Jail."

Eight Hours in Jail

Woods had to remain in Martin County Jail for at least eight hours. He was later seen in the passenger seat of a vehicle leaving the jail.

Asked if Woods would receive special treatment in jail, Budensiek said he would make sure Woods was safe but would not be placed in general population.

"It doesn't matter who you are; if you break the law, we're going to follow the law," Budensiek said. "He'll pay the price, but he won't pay the price by being punished in jail."

Trump: 'I Feel So Badly'

President Donald Trump, who is friends with Woods, addressed the crash when asked by reporters Friday.

"I feel so badly. He's got some difficulty," Trump said. "There was an accident and that's all I know. Very close friend of mine. He's an amazing person, amazing man. But some difficulty."

Woods is dating Vanessa Trump, the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr.

Masters Status Unclear

Woods has not announced a decision on his participation in the 2026 Masters, which begins April 8. Woods has a tournament-record streak of 24 consecutive cuts made, but the five-time Masters champion has not played there since 2024.

He was scheduled to be at Augusta National either way, participating in the Champions Dinner as well as festivities around the re-opening of the Augusta Municipal Golf Course. Woods designed the short course.

2021 Crash Similarities

Friday's incident was reminiscent of a single-car crash involving Woods in February 2021. In that crash, Woods was injured in a rollover about 20 miles south of Los Angeles.

Aerial footage showed the vehicle made contact with a median and ended up in a ditch across the other side of the road. Officials said the SUV most likely was traveling at a relatively greater speed than normal along a stretch of road known for a high frequency of accidents.

Woods suffered multiple fractures to the upper and lower fibula and tibia in his right leg and required multiple surgeries to stabilize the leg, ankle and foot.

He needed to be pried from the vehicle.