Golf legend Tiger Woods told police he was distracted by his phone and changing radio stations just moments before his SUV crashed last Friday.
According to an accident report released by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, the 50-year-old 15-time major champion said he didn’t notice the vehicle ahead of him had slowed down because he was looking down at his cell phone.
The incident happened on Jupiter Island, near Woods’ home in Florida. His vehicle clipped a trailer being pulled by a pickup truck, causing his SUV to roll over onto its side. Woods had to climb out through the passenger door.
Fortunately, neither he nor the truck driver was injured.Arrest and ChargesWoods was arrested and charged with misdemeanor DUI (driving under the influence) involving property damage. He also faces a charge for refusing to submit to a urine test after a breathalyzer showed no alcohol in his system.
Deputies found two hydrocodone pills — a prescription opioid painkiller — in his possession. He posted bond and was released from jail later that Friday night.In the police report, officers described Woods as sweating heavily, moving in a “lethargic and slow” manner, with bloodshot and glassy eyes.
He was also seen limping and stumbling while walking.When asked about his condition, Woods explained that he has had seven back surgeries and more than 20 operations on his leg. He suffers from a permanent limp, and his ankle sometimes “seizes” while walking — lasting effects from a serious single-car crash in California in 2021 that left him with multiple compound fractures and a shattered ankle.Field Sobriety TestsAfter performing sobriety tests at the scene, authorities determined that Woods was impaired and not safe to drive.
He is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on April 23 in Stuart, Florida.What’s Next for TigerDespite the incident, Woods is still planning to attend the Champions Dinner next week at Augusta National ahead of the 90th Masters
Tournament.He has not competed in a full PGA Tour event since the 2024 British Open. Last year he suffered a ruptured left Achilles tendon, and he underwent back surgery in October 2025. He recently took part in a TGL indoor simulator golf event and had been hinting at a possible return to competition at the Masters