Few athletes in modern sports have experienced the extreme highs and lows that professional golfer Tiger Woods has had in both his career and personal life since coming to global fame as an athlete. Widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time, Woods’ career has included record-breaking achievements – as well as deeply personal and public struggles.
Here’s everything to know about Tiger Woods’ history of DUI and drug-related incidents in light of his recent arrest for a DUI – aka, driving under the influence – in Florida on Friday, March 27, 2026.
A Look at Tiger Woods’ DUI Arrest and Substance-Related Controversies
GettyNASSAU, BAHAMAS – DECEMBER 07: Tiger Woods of the United States stands on the 18th green for the trophy ceremony during the final round of the Hero World Challenge 2025 at Albany Golf Course on December 07, 2025 in Nassau, Bahamas. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
For Tiger Woods, his arrest today for a DUI is not his first of the sort. Among the most notable off-course incidents was his 2017 DUI arrest, which brought renewed scrutiny to his health and inappropriate use of prescription medications. On May 29, 2017, Woods was arrested in Jupiter, Florida after police found him asleep at the wheel of his vehicle. The car was still running, but there was no evidence of alcohol inside of his system. Instead, the incident quickly shifted focus to prescription drugs with Woods later stating that he ahd experienced an ‘unexpected reaction’ to a mix of medications prescribed to him for pain and sleep following multiple back surgeries he had undergone in the months prior.
Toxicology reports revealed the presence fo several substances in his system, including prescription painkillers and anti-anxiety medications. Among the substances which Woods tested positive for were Vicodin, Xanax, Dilaudid, and Ambien. The combination of the prescription medications impaired his ability to safetly operate a vehicle – a fact which ultimately lead to his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence – aka, a DUI.
Tiger Woods Underwent Rehabilitation Following His First DUI Arrest
GettyPACIFIC PALISADES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 22: Tiger Woods of the United States looks on from the 18th green during the final round of The Genesis Invitational 2026 at Riviera Country Club on February 22, 2026 in Pacific Palisades, California. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
Tiger Woods eventually pleaded guilty to reckless driving – a lesser charge than the original DUI arrest charge – and avoided jail time as a result. As part of his legal sentence, he was placed on probation with law enforcement and the Jupiter judicial system, and he was required to attend a DUI education program.
After being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and consequently enduring the following legal proceedings, Woods eventually entered an in-patient rehabilitation facility to receive treatment for addiction and substance abuse disorder. The purpose of entering the in-patient facility was said to be to directly address Woods’ dependence on prescription medications.
Tiger Woods Involved in Rollover Car Crash on Jupiter Island Today, Arrested for Another DUI
GettyNASSAU, BAHAMAS – DECEMBER 06: Tiger Woods of the United States looks on from the putting green ahead of the third round of the Hero World Challenge 2025 at Albany Golf Course on December 06, 2025 in Nassau, Bahamas. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
In addition to being charged with a DUI in 2017, Tiger Woods was arrested again on DUI charges after being involved in a rollover accident near his home on Jupiter Island, Florida earlier on Friday, March 27, 2026. Sheriff’s deputies confirmed that Woods had been taken into law enforcement custody on his second DUI arrest charge.
Breaking: Tiger Woods involved in rollover crash on Jupiter Island, deputies say https://t.co/EZ27zriGd4
— WPTV (@WPTV) March 27, 2026https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
According to Yahoo! Sports, he was also involved in a significant car accident in 2021. That car crash involved only a single car with Woods inside that ultimately saw him undergo medical treatment for broken bones in his right and injuries to his lower body.
If you or anyone you know may be struggling with alcohol or drug-related issues, dependence, or abuse, contact SAMHSA’s national hotline at 1-800-662-4357 or visit their website here. You can also contact the 988 Lifeline by dialing 988 or visiting their website here.
Tiger Woods’ History of DUI & Drug-Related Arrests Explained