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Tiger Woods, the renowned professional golfer, found himself in legal trouble after being arrested for driving under the influence. The incident occurred when his Land Rover flipped over on a two-lane road near his residence in Florida on Friday.
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office reported that the 15-time major champion was attempting to pass a work truck towing a trailer at a high speed. During this maneuver, he clipped the trailer’s rear, which resulted in his vehicle overturning onto its driver’s side.
At 50 years old, Woods managed to escape from the vehicle by crawling out through the passenger door before law enforcement arrived on the scene. A breathalyzer test conducted at the Martin County Jail revealed no alcohol in his system. Authorities suspect that impairment was due to drugs or medication.
According to officials, Woods exhibited signs of impairment.
Woods declined to undergo a urine test, which is considered an offense under Florida law and carries its own legal charge.
No injuries were reported to Woods or the driver of the other vehicle.
Woods was charged with driving under the influence (DUI), property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test, all misdemeanor charges. Under Florida law, he must remain in jail for at least eight hours before being released on bond.
It was the second time Woods has faced DUI charges, having been arrested in 2017 in Jupiter, Florida, later pleading guilty to reckless driving.
Woods was also involved in a serious car crash in February 2021, suffering severe leg fractures.
His injury history spans more than two decades and includes multiple back surgeries, ACL reconstruction, Achilles tendon ruptures and chronic knee issues, all of which have significantly limited his competitive schedule in recent years.
Woods had only just returned to competitive action, representing his Jupiter Links Golf Club in a TGL Finals match on Tuesday, his first appearance since missing the cut at the 2024 British Open.
He had not confirmed whether he planned to compete at this year’s Masters, which starts on 9 April in Augusta.
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