Tiger Woods arrived at Martin County Court on Wednesday morning to change his original not guilty plea in a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) case. Woods, accompanied by his girlfriend Vanessa Trump, appeared stoic as he navigated a crowd of photographers outside the courthouse.
It was revealed Tuesday night that Woods planned to change his plea, with a hearing scheduled immediately. The details of any potential agreement with prosecutors remain unclear.
Woods, a 15-time major champion, was charged with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test following his arrest on March 27. Police found two opioid tablets in his pocket after the crash. He later spent time in rehabilitation in Switzerland.
According to police reports, Woods was driving at a high speed on a road in Jupiter Island, Florida, when his Land Rover collided with a tractor-trailer truck and overturned, causing approximately $5,000 in damage to the truck. Woods was able to exit the vehicle without injury. He admitted to officers that he was looking at his phone and changing the radio at the time of the collision.
A Breathalyzer test did not detect alcohol in Woods' system, but he refused a urine test, authorities stated. The Sheriff's report indicated that deputies found opioids in his pocket and observed signs of impairment.
Previous court proceedings in the case include a hearing on August 4. In July, a ruling allowed prosecutors to obtain Woods' hospital records related to the crash. Martin County circuit court judge Darren Steele had previously approved agreements allowing prosecutors access to Woods' prescription medication records from January 1 to his March crash date.
A protective order is in place, limiting the release of hospital and prescription records to the State Attorney's Office, law enforcement, state experts, and the defense.
Woods had been nearing a return to professional golf and was anticipated to compete at The Masters shortly before the crash. He has not competed since the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon and has undergone surgery for a torn Achilles tendon and a seventh back procedure.
This incident marks the fourth major driving-related event in Woods' adult life. In 2017, he was found unconscious in his Mercedes-Benz and later pleaded guilty to reckless driving after testing positive for marijuana's active ingredient, painkillers, a sleep drug, and an anti-anxiety medication. At the time, he stated he was self-medicating for pain and insomnia. He received a year of probation, a fine, and community service, with a ban on alcohol consumption during his probation.
In November 2009, Woods was involved in another significant car crash near his home, for which he received a ticket for careless driving. This incident occurred shortly after media reports surfaced alleging extramarital affairs.