Tiger Woods, the five-time Masters champion from the United States, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in Jupiter, Florida, on May 29, 2017.[1] Police found him asleep at the wheel of his Mercedes-Benz around 3:00 a.m. local time after pulling him over for driving erratically at 1-2 mph with hazard lights on.[1]
A breathalyzer test showed a blood alcohol level of 0.00, but Woods was charged with DUI due to signs of impairment during field sobriety tests. A search revealed prescription medications including hydrocodone (Vicodin) and zolpidem (Ambien) in the vehicle.[2] Woods later stated the arrest resulted from an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications.[2]
Woods completed a pretrial intervention program, and the DUI charge was dropped in October 2017 in exchange for pleading guilty to reckless driving.[2]
On February 23, 2021, Woods was involved in a single-vehicle rollover crash on Hawthorne Boulevard in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, sustaining serious open fractures to his right lower leg that required emergency surgery and further procedures.[3] Investigators determined he was driving at an estimated 84-87 mph in a 45 mph zone.[3]
Woods did not compete at the 2021 Masters Tournament, held April 8-11 at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, due to recovery from the crash injuries.[4] Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley issued a statement expressing support: "Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament wish Tiger Woods the very best in his recovery."[5]
Woods returned to the Masters in 2022 (T47), 2023 (missed cut) and 2024 (withdrew after third round with scores of 72-77-82).[6]
Sources
- Publisher: Reuters
Article title: Tiger Woods arrested for DUI in Florida
Publication date: May 29, 2017
Direct URL: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-golf-woods-dui/tiger-woods-arrested-for-dui-in-florida-idUSKBN18L2T1 - Publisher: The New York Times
Article title: Tiger Woods Says D.U.I. Arrest Came After ‘Unexpected Reaction’ to Drugs
Publication date: May 29, 2017
Direct URL: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/29/sports/golf/tiger-woods-dui-arrest-statement.html - Publisher: Reuters
Article title: Tiger Woods hospitalized after one-car crash in LA
Publication date: February 23, 2021
Direct URL: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-golf-woods-crash/tiger-woods-hospitalized-after-one-car-crash-in-la-idUSKBN2AJ1F4 - Publisher: Masters.com
Article title: 2021 Field Notes
Publication date: April 2021 (accessed October 2024)
Direct URL: https://www.masters.com/en_US/players/player_26371.html - Publisher: Masters.com
Article title: Tiger Woods Accident Update
Publication date: February 23, 2021
Direct URL: https://www.masters.com/en_US/news/articles/2021-02-23/tiger_woods_accident_update.html - Publisher: Masters.com
Article title: Tiger Woods Player Profile
Publication date: Accessed October 2024
Direct URL: https://www.masters.com/en_US/players/player_26371.html
