Tiger Woods Spotted on Driving Range for First Time Since DUI Arrest
The 15-time major winner hit golf balls at a charity event, marking a significant step in his public return.
Tiger Woods has been seen practicing his golf swing on the driving range for the first time since his DUI arrest and subsequent car crash in March. The first video of the golfer hitting balls since the incident was shared on his TGR Foundation’s live events Instagram account and reposted by the PGA Tour, fueling speculation about his return to the sport.
Woods, 50, was observed hitting golf balls with an iron during a clinic at Liberty National in New Jersey. The event was held in conjunction with the Nexus Cup, an amateur event hosted by Woods to raise funds for his TGR Foundation.
This appearance marks a notable moment for Woods, who has largely stayed out of the public eye since his arrest in March. The incident occurred after his SUV flipped over in Jupiter, Florida, following a collision with a trailer. Following the crash, Woods pleaded no contest and had his driver's license suspended for five years. Authorities reported finding two pain pills in his possession, though his breathalyzer test did not detect alcohol. He declined a urine test at the scene.
Woods previously stepped away from golf after the DUI arrest and underwent rehabilitation, including a stint in Switzerland. He was last seen publicly playing golf in March during the indoor TGL final.
Despite his physical challenges, including disc replacement surgery and a torn Achilles tendon over the past year, Woods expressed optimism about his recovery. When asked about his game’s status during the clinic, he stated, "I can hit pretty much anything," though he noted feeling "a little stiff." He has not competed in a professional golf event since the Open Championship in 2024.
Speculation about Woods' potential return to competitive play often centers around the Hero World Challenge, an event he hosts, scheduled for late November in the Bahamas. He remains permitted to drive golf carts on the course in Florida, a detail that underscores his current driving restrictions.