Golf legend Tiger Woods makes plea deal over Florida DUI

The 50-year-old golfer appeared in a southern Florida courtroom on Wednesday and entered a no-contest plea to a reckless driving charge from a March two-vehicle crash. Martin County police arrested Woods after the crash near his home on suspicion of driving under the influence after deputies found two hydrocodone pills in the golfer’s pocket, court records showed. The latest arrest marked Woods’ second conviction in the last decade for driving under the influence.

Woods told officers he didn’t see the other car involved in the crash because he was looking at his cellphone and changing the radio station, according to an affidavit from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. Woods told police he had no alcoholic beverages that day, nor had he taken any illegal substances. A breathalyzer test at the police station detected no alcohol in Woods’ system, according to the affidavit. However, the golfer declined to give a urine sample to test for chemical or controlled substances, which is a misdemeanor. 

So did he plead guilty? No. Judge Darren Steele issued an adjudication order on Wednesday formally declaring Woods guilty. The golfer also changed his previously entered not-guilty plea to a no-contest plea, accepting the punishment without admitting guilt or making a confession. Steele issued a five-year suspension on Woods’ driver's license, court documents showed. 

Woods is recognized as one of the greatest golfers in the sport’s history, claiming 82 PGA Tour victories and winning the prestigious Masters Tournament five times. He also won victories in the U.S. Open, The Open, Players Championship, Tour Championship, Memorial Tournament, and Arnold Palmer Invitational.

The March crash came about two weeks before Woods planned to emerge from retirement and play in the 2026 Masters Tournament. However, he ultimately withdrew from the competition to focus on his health and lasting recovery, according to a statement released after the crash.