Tiger Woods’ 2026 DUI arrest was the latest in a series of serious car accidents for the golf legend.
Police in Jupiter, Florida, confirmed on March 27, 2026, that Woods was charged with driving under the influence, among other offenses, when an SUV was found on its side after a two-vehicle crash. No injuries were reported and Woods has yet to address the matter publicly.
Woods’ trouble on the road dates back to the early morning hours of November 27, 2009, when Florida police responded to an emergency call near his’ Orlando neighborhood. Woods later called the situation a “private matter,” but injuries kept him off the golf course at the Chevron World Challenge later that month.
Eight years later, Woods pleaded guilty to reckless driving when he had another crash near his Florida home. His most serious accident occurred in 2021 when his SUV rolled over in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, requiring him to have emergency surgery.
Keep scrolling for more about Woods’ history with car crashes.
Tiger Woods Was Cited for Careless Driving in November 2009
Tiger Woods’ infamous cheating scandal was grabbing headlines when news broke that he’d crashed his Cadillac Escalade into a fire hydrant and a tree near his home at around 2:30 a.m. ET on November 27, 2009. His then-wife, Elin Nordegren, was at the scene.
Woods was treated for facial lacerations and ultimately backed out of multiple appearances that month, including at his own Chevron World Challenge charity event.
There was intense speculation about what caused the crash but Woods released a statement to accept full responsibility.
“The only person responsible for this accident is me,” he insisted. “My wife, Elin, acted courageously when she saw I was hurt and in trouble. She was the first person to help me. Any other assertion is absolutely false.”
The golfer went on, “As you all know, I had a single-car accident earlier this week, and sustained some injuries. I have some cuts, bruising and right now I’m pretty sore.”
“This situation is my fault, and it’s obviously embarrassing to my family and me. I’m human and I’m not perfect. I will certainly make sure this doesn’t happen again,” he vowed. “This is a private matter and I want to keep it that way. Although I understand there is curiosity, the many false, unfounded and malicious rumors that are currently circulating about my family and me are irresponsible.”
Woods paid a $164 fine to resolve a careless driving charge, per contemporary reports.
Tiger Woods Was Arrested on Suspicion of DUI in 2017
On May 29, 2017, Jupiter Island, Florida, police allegedly found Tiger Woods asleep behind the wheel of his SUV while stopped at a traffic light with the engine running.
Woods initially entered a not guilty plea when charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, he eventually agreed to plead guilty to reckless driving and was ordered to serve 50 hours of community service, complete one year of probation and pay a fine of $250.
At the time, Woods released a statement to assure the public that he understood “the severity of what I did.”
“I take full responsibility for my actions,” he told ABC News. “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.”
Tiger Woods Was Seriously Injured in a 2021 Car Crash
Four years after his reckless driving charge, Tiger Woods was seriously injured in a rollover crash in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, on February 23, 2021. No charges were filed but Woods had to be transported to Harbor–UCLA Medical Center with a shattered ankle and two leg fractures.
Woods later told Golf Magazine in May 2021 that the recovery from his rollover crash injuries was the most challenging of his life.
“I understand more of the rehab processes because of my past injuries, but this was more painful than anything I have ever experienced,” he told the publication. “My physical therapy has been keeping me busy. I do my routines every day and am focused on my No. 1 goal right now: walking on my own. Taking it one step at a time.”
Tiger Woods Was Charged With a DUI in March 2026
Jupiter Island, Florida, Sheriff John Budensiek held a press conference on March 27, 2026 to confirm that Tiger Woods had been charged with driving under the influence, property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test after he refused a uranalysis.
Woods was allegedly involved in a two-vehicle rollover crash at around 2 p.m. local time. No injuries were reported, though a Land Rover was found on its side.
Woods was booked and eventually released after eight hours in police custody. Budensiek told the press later that day what led up to Woods facing criminal charges.
“Our DUI investigators came to the scene here. Mr. Woods did exemplify signs of impairment,” the sheriff explained at 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.”
“We know we arrested a high profile figure … but it doesn’t matter who you are,” the sheriff warned. “If you break the law, we’re going to follow the law. That’s a really easy path to take.”
A mugshot was released that same day, showing Woods in a blue shirt and blankly staring ahead at the camera.
“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,” Sheriff Budensiek confirmed. “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.”
Us Weekly has reached out to Woods for comment.
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