Tiger Woods pleaded not guilty to drunk driving on Friday, hours after a sheriff’s report showed signs of impairment at the scene of a car crash in Florida.
Woods was arrested on Friday, March 27, on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) after his Land Rover collided with a pickup truck and rolled over on Jupiter Island, Florida.
His plea was confirmed in court documents in Martin County, Florida, on the same day details of his arrest were announced.
He entered a written plea of not guilty and was scheduled to waive his appearance at his April 23 arraignment hearing. The case will now go to trial, but a date has not yet been set.
Woods was released from the Martin County Jail after being released on bail after the accident.
Woods subsequently issued a statement confirming that he would be sidelined for a “period of time” to seek treatment and focus on his health, ending hopes of a possible return to action at the April 9-12 Masters.
He posted on X: “I am aware and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. I am taking a period of time away to receive treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order to prioritize my health and work towards a lasting recovery.”
“I am committed to taking the time necessary to return to a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. Thank you for your understanding and support, and ask that you please respect my family, loved ones, and myself’s privacy at this time.”
Police report reveals details of Tiger’s recent car accident
A sheriff’s office report released earlier in the day said Woods told police he had been looking at his cell phone and changing radio stations before last week’s car crash, and that pills were found in his pocket when he was arrested.
Woods was arrested in a car crash in Florida on March 27 (Credit: WPTV)
An arrest affidavit released Tuesday by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office said Woods told investigators that he “didn’t notice the truck in front of him slowing down.”
The affidavit also said the 15-time major champion appeared “bloodshot and cloudy,” had “extremely dilated pupils,” and was “lethargic and slow to move” during several failed on-field abstinence drills.
Woods got out of the passenger seat after the accident and was “sweating profusely,” but during a search, two white pills, identified as hydrocodone (used to treat severe pain), were found in his pocket.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Paul McGinley believes Woods needs to focus on his health following the March 27 car accident
The 50-year-old man told deputies he was looking at his phone and playing with his radio before he was pinned by the truck in front of him, causing an estimated $5,000 (about £3,770) worth of damage.
Woods, who wears a compression sock on his right knee, told the sheriff he has had seven back surgeries and “over 20 surgeries on his legs,” adding that he has a limp and experiences ankle spasms when walking.
He walked away unharmed and took a breathalyzer test at the scene, which came back negative, but he refused to submit a urine sample and was held for eight hours before being released on bond early Saturday morning.
Woods was taken to a local hospital for medical clearance and then transported to the Martin County Jail, where he refused medical treatment and was held for the eight hours required under Florida law.
“Woods believed that his normal faculties were impaired and that he was unable to safely operate a motor vehicle,” the affidavit states.
Woods stands next to his overturned car on Jupiter Island on March 27.
Woods was charged with driving under the influence, criminal damage to property, and refusing to submit to a lawful urine test.
The five-time Masters winner had been listed as a candidate to open this year’s major when Rory McIlroy returns as defending champion, but is not expected to play or make his first major appearance since the British Open in July 2024.
Who will win the Masters? Watch the opening round of this year’s Major live on Sky Sports Golf from April 9th to 12th. Get and stream Sky Sports without a contract.
Book your round at the lowest price on one of 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland
