Tiger Woods to Alter Plea in DUI Case After Florida Crash

STUART, Fla. — Tiger Woods intends to modify his plea in a DUI case linked to a crash in Florida, as per court documents filed on Tuesday. In March, Woods’ Land Rover collided with a truck and overturned, leading to his arrest, authorities reported. Initially, Woods entered a not guilty plea to the DUI charge at the Martin County circuit court, located north of Palm Beach County. A plea conference hearing is scheduled for Wednesday morning, according to a notice posted on Tuesday. Further information regarding the plea change has not been released.

Woods’ lawyer, Doug Duncan, and the State Attorney’s Office did not respond immediately to emails seeking more details. A video from a police body camera released by the Martin County, Fla., Sheriff’s Office shows Woods undertaking a field sobriety test after the crash on Jupiter Island on March 27, 2026. The image was shared by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office via AP.

Woods was reportedly driving at high speed on a residential road in Jupiter Island with a speed limit of 30 mph (nearly 50 kph) when his Land Rover caused $5,000 in damage to the truck, according to the incident report. Although he managed to emerge unscathed from the vehicle, he informed a deputy that he was looking at his phone and changing the radio channel when the accident occurred. Woods consented to a Breathalyzer test displaying no alcohol presence but declined a urine test, as per authorities. Deputies discovered two pain pills in his possession, and he exhibited signs of impairment.

Woods has sought treatment outside the U.S. at an inpatient facility, court records indicate. In July, Judge Darren Steele permitted prosecutors to review Woods’ medical records regarding the crash and arrest. In May, the judge approved access to all of Woods’ prescription medication records at a Palm Beach pharmacy from early in the year until the end of March.

At 50, Woods remains a key figure in golf, with a global reputation as an athlete. He became the first person of Black heritage to win the Masters in 1997, capturing the attention of golf enthusiasts with unbreakable records. However, his career has faced obstacles due to multiple surgeries, accidents, and dependency on pain medication.

Woods has been involved in four crashes. In 2021, he survived a crash in Los Angeles which severely injured his right leg, leading to considerations of amputation. In 2009, his SUV crashed into a fire hydrant and tree near his Orlando home. Following the 2009 crash, he took a break from the golf tour, a pattern repeated after the recent crash, with no return to tournament play thus far.

Woods reappeared publicly on June 23, introducing the PGA Tour’s strategy to revamp its schedule for 2028. Despite his arrest, Woods remained the chairman of the tour’s Future Competition Committee. He did not address any questions during his appearance.

Reporting assistance was provided by Hallie Golden in Seattle for the Associated Press.