Trump feels ‘bad’ for Tiger Woods as former number one arrested on DUI charge

Former world number one golfer Tiger Woods was arrested Friday afternoon on a charge of driving under the influence following a single-vehicle crash near his home on Jupiter Island, authorities said. Woods’ Land Rover reportedly rolled onto its driver’s side after colliding with a work truck he was attempting to overtake on a two-lane road. No injuries were reported to Woods or the other driver, though the vehicle sustained significant damage. Woods was released after spending the mandatory eight hours in a Florida jail before posting bail.

President Donald Trump, a personal friend of Woods, expressed concern over the incident, calling Woods “an amazing person” and acknowledging the crash had been reported to him. This marks the second time Woods has faced DUI charges in Florida; he was arrested in 2017 in Jupiter, later pleading guilty to reckless driving. Woods also suffered a serious car accident in February 2021 that left him with severe leg injuries and has endured multiple back surgeries, ACL reconstructions, Achilles tendon ruptures, and chronic knee problems throughout his career.

Sheriff John Budensiek of Martin County said Woods had clipped the back of the trailer being towed by the truck while traveling at high speed. After the rollover, Woods exited the vehicle through the passenger side before law enforcement arrived. Breathalyzer testing showed no presence of alcohol, and investigators indicated that his impairment was likely related to prescription medication or other drugs. Woods also refused a urine test, which under Florida law carries a separate misdemeanor charge. He is facing three counts: DUI, property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test.

Career and recent return to competition

Despite injuries that have limited his schedule in recent years, Woods returned to competitive golf this week, representing his Jupiter Links Golf Club in a TGL Finals match on Tuesday. His appearance marked his first competitive outing since missing the cut at the 2024 British Open. Woods had not confirmed whether he would participate in the 2026 Masters, set to begin on April 9 in Augusta.

Woods is widely considered one of the greatest golfers in history, with 15 major championships and 82 PGA Tour victories, a record he shares with Sam Snead. He has spent 683 weeks as world number one and is the only player to hold all four major titles simultaneously, achieving the “Tiger Slam” across the 2000-2001 seasons. His 2019 Masters win is celebrated as one of sport’s greatest comebacks after years of injuries and personal challenges.

Legal and public implications

Friday’s arrest shows Woods’ ongoing struggles with driving safety amid a history of injuries and prescription medication use. Authorities emphasized that while alcohol was not a factor, the incident will proceed under Florida’s DUI and property damage statutes. The case has drawn significant media attention, with fans and sports figures expressing concern over his health and legal situation. Woods’ legal team has yet to issue a public statement, and court proceedings are expected to follow in the coming weeks.