Tiger Woods told authorities that he was distracted by his phone and changing radio channels just before his car accident last Friday, according to a police report released Tuesday.
The golf legend was involved in a crash on Jupiter Island, Florida, near his home, when his SUV clipped a trailer being towed by a pickup truck. His vehicle rolled onto its side, forcing Woods to exit through the passenger door.
Fortunately, neither he nor the truck driver was injured.
The 15-time major champion faces charges of suspicion of misdemeanor DUI with property damage and refusing to submit to a lawful test, after he declined urine tests following a breathalyzer that showed no alcohol in his system.
Woods, who had two hydrocodone pills in his possession, posted bond and was released from Martin County jail Friday night.
According to the accident report from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Woods “stated he was looking down at his cell phone and changing the radio station and did not notice the vehicle in front of him had slowed down.”
Sheriff’s deputies described Woods’ condition in the report, noting he was “sweating profusely” and moving in a “lethargic and slow” manner. They observed his eyes were “bloodshot and glassy” and that he was “limping and stumbling to the right” while walking.
When asked about his medical history, Woods explained, “Woods advised he’s had seven back surgeries and over 20 operations on his leg… Woods advised he has a limp and his ankle seizes while walking.”
Woods, 50, had previously suffered severe leg injuries in a 2021 single-car accident in California, which required emergency surgery for multiple compound fractures in his right leg and a shattered ankle. He made a competitive return at the 2022 Masters, finishing 47th despite struggling to walk 72 holes at Augusta National.
After on-scene sobriety exams last Friday, authorities determined Woods was impaired and not safe to operate a vehicle. He is scheduled for arraignment on April 23 in Stuart, Florida.
Next week, Woods is expected to attend the Champions Dinner at Augusta National ahead of the 90th Masters. He has not played in a top-level event since the 2024 British Open, having suffered a ruptured left Achilles tendon in March 2025 and undergone back surgery last October.
Most recently, Woods participated in a TGL simulator indoor golf event and had discussed a potential return at the Masters.
