Tiger Woods‘ recent arrest for driving under the influence, property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test isn’t the first time he has faced legal trouble following a car crash.
The golfer’s SUV was found on its side after a two-vehicle crash in March 2026. Woods was booked and released after spending eight hours in police custody, with Sheriff John Budensiek addressing what led to the criminal charges.
“Our DUI investigators came to the scene here. Mr. Woods did exemplify signs of impairment,” the sheriff explained during a press conference. “They did several tests. He did explain the injuries and the surgeries that he had. We did take that into account.”
Budensiek continued: “Mr. Woods did a breathalyzer test with triple zeros, but when it came time for us to ask for a urinalysis test, he refused, so he’s been charged with DUI, property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.”
Woods, for his part, did not immediately address his DUI arrest.
Keep scrolling for a breakdown of Woods’ past legal issues:
How Many Times Has Tiger Woods Gotten a DUI?
Woods has made headlines for car crashes in the past, starting with an incident in 2009 when his vehicle collided with a fire hydrant and a tree near his home. Woods later paid a $164 fine to resolve a careless driving charge.
In 2017, Woods was allegedly found asleep behind the wheel of his SUV while stopped at a traffic light. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and initially entered a not guilty plea. Woods ultimately agreed to a plea deal and was ordered to serve 50 hours of community service, complete one year of probation and pay a fine of $250 for reckless driving.
“I take full responsibility for my actions,” he told ABC News in a statement. “I want the public to know that alcohol was not involved. What happened was an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications. I didn’t realize the mix of medications had affected me so strongly.”
He added: “I would like to apologize with all my heart to my family, friends and the fans. I expect more from myself too.”
Woods was seriously injured again in 2021 after a rollover crash. No charges were filed, but Woods was transported to a hospital with a shattered ankle and two leg fractures.
What Has Been Said About His 2026 DUI Arrest?
Sheriff John Budensiek addressed next steps after Tiger Woods was charged for driving under the influence, property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test in March 2026. “We know we arrested a high profile figure … but it doesn’t matter who you are,” the sheriff said. “If you break the law, we’re going to follow the law. That’s a really easy path to take.”
The sheriff also clarified Woods’ time behind bars.
“As far as him being in the jail, we’re going to make sure he’s safe. We’re not going to put him in the general population,” Budensiek said in a press conference. “He’s not going to be with other inmates that can hurt him or try to capitalize on what he did. He’ll pay the price, but he’s not going to pay the price by getting punished in jail.”
Has Tiger Woods Addressed His Most Recent Legal Trouble?
Tiger Woods has not spoken about his March 2026 arrest, but his teammate Kevin Kisner shared his thoughts.
“Very disturbing,” Kisner told the Golf Channel. “He was really working hard on his game, trying to practice and get back in shape. He signed up for the U.S. Senior Open yesterday. He was trying to do anything he could to come back and try and help our TGL team get ready, hopefully try and play the Masters.”
Kisner continued, “Just a really unfortunate incident. The only positive is that nobody was injured in the incident and we can all move forward and hopefully help him get better.”
Golf commentator Brandel Chamblee, meanwhile, urged Woods to retire from golf.
“Why would he need to play golf anymore?” Chamblee said on an episode of Golf Central. “I think he should probably ask himself that. Consider not playing golf anymore.”
He continued, “It’s clear that Tiger Woods has a history of pushing himself to his physical limit. Beyond his physical limit. … To the degree that he keeps hurting himself, injuring himself, requiring surgeries … those surgeries and injuries come along with prescribed pain medication. And unless you’ve had your head in the sand for the last 20 to 30 years, you can connect the dots to the pain mediation and the addiction to the pain medication.”
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