Tiger Woods dealt major legal blow in DUI case after judge’s swift 4-minute ruling

Tiger Woods was dealt another blow in his ongoing legal battle after the golf star was involved in a car accident on Jupiter Island, Florida, in March.

The 50-year-old was arrested under suspicion of driving under the influence, and while he blew a zero in his breath test, he also refused to submit to a urine test. He has since pleaded not guilty to the DUI charge. 

According to first responders, Tiger was showing “several signs of impairment” when they arrived at the scene of the crash. As per the affidavit released by the Martin County Sheriff’s Department, police allegedly found two white pills in the golfer’s pockets upon searching him, which were identified as hydrocodone, a strong painkiller and highly addictive opioid used to treat severe chronic pain. 

The athlete’s prescription drug records will be handed over to prosecutors as per the ruling of Martin County Circuit Court Judge Darren Steele on Tuesday morning, following a brief four-minute hearing. 

This comes after Tiger’s lawyer, Doug Duncan, fought against the release of his client’s records and argued that he had a constitutional right to privacy. Doug did concede that the prosecutors could make an argument as to why they needed access to Tiger’s prescription records and that the right to privacy was not absolute. 

Prosecutors issued a subpoena to a Palm Beach pharmacy that Tiger frequents for all his prescription medication records from January 1 to March 27. 

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They are seeking information on the number of times the prescriptions were filled between these dates, the number of pills given, the dosage amounts, and the instructions that were given with the pills, including whether he was advised to stay off the roads. 

Learn more about Tiger’s arrest below…

While the judge’s ruling means that Tiger’s records will be handed over, prosecutors agreed to a protective order that stated the information could only be given to themselves, law enforcement officers, expert witnesses and the golfer’s defence team. 

Tiger’s crash made international news on March 27, after he clipped the back of a truck and rolled his car. According to reports, the father of two was trying to pass the vehicle, and did not realize it had slowed down. 

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After he escaped from his Land Rover, Tiger was reportedly “limping and stumbling to the right” during a sobriety test, and told officers that he took medication for pains in his back and legs following several surgeries. His most recent operation was a lumbar disc replacement surgery in October 2025, marking his seventh time under the knife for a back injury. 

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Tiger revealed that he was leaving the US to seek treatment for his health troubles in a statement on X after the crash. “I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health,” he began. 

“This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery. I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”