Tiger Woods Q&A: What we know about car crash with 15-time major champion to miss The Masters while 'seeking treatment'
Tiger Woods charged with driving under the influence and released on bail after car crash in Florida on March 27; the 15-time major champion, who has pleaded not guilty, taking time away to "seek treatment" and will miss The Masters from April 9, an event he has won five times
Wednesday 1 April 2026 07:57, UK
A look at the key questions about Tiger Woods’ car crash in Florida on March 27, following a sheriff's office report revealing more details about the incident.
What do we know about the car crash?
Woods' Land Rover rolled over after clipping a pick-up truck on Jupiter Island in Florida just before 2pm local time on Friday March 27, with the 15-time major champion walking away unhurt after crawling out of the passenger door.
No one was injured in the incident. Sheriff John Budensiek said the crash occurred after Woods apparently attempted to overtake the trailer in front at a "high rate of speed".
- Tiger Woods to miss The Masters amid break from golf
- Police release Tiger Woods' arrest report after crash
- Got Sky? Watch golf and more LIVE on your phone
- Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream no contract
Woods' vehicle tipped on to its side and then "slid for a pretty decent space before he came to a stop."
The incident report, released by the Martin County Sheriff's Office, on March 31, said Woods admitted to looking at his phone and fiddling with the radio moments before the crash.
How did Woods react to the crash?
Woods was described as "lethargic" by officers with police believing he was "impaired on medication".
He took a breathalyser test at the scene which returned a negative finding but refused to submit a urine sample.
Budensiek added that police at the scene and at the jail where Woods was taken were "really not suspicious of alcohol being involved".
The affidavit on Tuesday said that Woods had "bloodshot and glassy eyes", "extremely dilated pupils" and appeared "lethargic and slow" when he failed several field sobriety exercises.
What did Woods say to officers about medication?
Woods had climbed out of the passenger seat after the crash and was "sweating profusely", with two white pills, identified as hydrocodone - used to treat severe pain, were found in his pocket during a search.
When asked by a deputy if he took any prescription medications. Woods said: "I take a few."
Woods had a compression sock over his right knee and told the sheriff about his seven previous back surgeries and 'over 20 operations on his leg', adding that he has a limp and that his ankle seizes while walking.
What has Woods been charged with?
The 50-year-old was arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) with property damage.
There were also further charges of property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
Woods was taken to a local hospital for medical clearance before being transported to the Martin County jail, where he declined medical treatment and was held - under Florida law - for the mandatory eight hours.
How has Woods responded?
He entered a written not guilty plea in his driving under the influence case in Florida on Tuesday, hours after a sheriff's report had been released.
Woods plans to waive his appearance during an arraignment hearing, scheduled for April 23. The case will now go to trial, with a date yet to be set.
He has since confirmed that he will be stepping away for 'a period of time' to seek treatment and focus on his health, posting on X: "I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today.
"I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.
"I'm committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time."
This was Woods' fourth car crash or vehicle incident since 2009, with a previous one in 2021 lucky not to cost him his life.
What does this mean for Woods' Masters hopes?
They are over, with Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley saying in a statement on Tuesday, after Woods revealed he was stepping away for a period: "Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here."
Five-time Masters champion Woods last featured competitively at the Open Championship in 2024, missing the cut at Royal Troon.
Hopes of an Augusta comeback rose after Tiger played in the TGL finals for Jupiter Links last month - his first action since teeing it up in the same competition 13 months earlier.
Woods, who ruptured his Achilles in 2025 and has also undergone two back surgeries, said at the time: "[My body] doesn't recover like it did when it was 24, 25. It doesn't mean I'm not trying. I've been trying for a while. I want to play.
"I love the tournament. I've loved being there since I was 19 years old. It's meant a lot to me and my family over the years. I don't know [if I'll play]. We'll see how it goes. I'll be practising and keep trying to make progress."
Will Woods suffer 'reputational damage' after latest crash?
Sky Sports News' Jamie Weir said: "The biggest fallout, once again, is reputational damage. This is hugely embarrassing when we thought this was all behind him.
"To be charged with driving under the influence, to spend eight hours in a Florida jail, to refuse a urine test.
"This is the third time he has been involved in a car crash and this has echoes of 2017.
"People will probably say, 'Tiger, surely there is enough money in the bank now where you can afford to employ a driver to take you from place to place'.
"Surely he shouldn't be putting himself and other road users, other pedestrians at risk every time he gets behind the wheel of a car?"
How did the PGA Tour reacted to the news?
Woods has had a key role off the course for the PGA Tour in recent seasons, initially joining the policy board before later being named the chairman of the Future Competitions Committee to try and reshape the sport.
"Tiger Woods is a legend of our sport whose impact extends far beyond his achievements on the course," the PGA Tour said in a statement. "But above all else, Tiger is a person, and our focus is on his health and well-being.
"Tiger continues to have our full support as he takes this important step."
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp added: "Tiger Woods is one of the most influential figures the sports world has ever known.
"Over the last year, I have come to deeply appreciate Tiger not only for his impact on the game, but for his friendship and the perspective he has shared with me as I joined the golf industry.
"My thoughts are with him and his family has he takes this step, for which he has my full respect and support."
What other car incidents has Woods had?
Woods crashed into a fire hydrant, a tree and hedges outside his home in 2009, an incident that sparked admissions of serial infidelity.
His seven-year marriage ended and he lost a number of sponsorship deals.
Then in 2017, weeks after spinal surgery, Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence when he was found asleep at the wheel.
He subsequently pleaded guilty to reckless driving and it later emerged that he had five prescription drugs in his system at the time.
Woods' most serious crash came in February 2021 with his car rolling over in Los Angeles after he lost control at high speed on a winding stretch of road.
Fire crews had to use the 'jaws of life' cutting equipment to remove him from the wreckage.
Woods was lucky to be alive and suffered extensive leg and ankle injuries that continue to hamper him to this day. He has had multiple surgeries.
He did not play competitive golf for 14 months after that crash and remains on a limited schedule.
Who will win The Masters? Watch the opening major of the year live from April 9-12 on Sky Sports Golf. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract.
Get the best prices and book a round at one of 1,700 courses across the UK & Ireland
