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Tiger Woods Arrested for DUI Again — A Full Timeline of His Off-Course Scandals
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Tiger Woods Arrested for DUI Again — A Full Timeline of His Off-Course Scandals

Tiger Woods was arrested on DUI charges in Jupiter Island, Florida on March 27, 2026. Here's a complete timeline of his major incidents, from the 2009 infidelity scandal to his 2021 car crash and beyond.

Mar 29, 20264min read

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods Arrested for DUI Again — Off-Course Trouble Repeats

15 major titles. 82 PGA Tour wins. Tiger Woods is widely regarded as the greatest golfer in history. Yet on March 27, 2026, he was arrested on DUI charges in Jupiter Island, Florida — just two weeks before the Masters.

Here is a full timeline of his major off-course incidents.


2009 — Infidelity Scandal & Home Crash

What Happened

  • November 25, 2009: The National Enquirer published a story alleging Woods was having an affair with New York nightclub hostess Rachel Uchitel.
  • November 27, 2009 (post-Thanksgiving, early morning): Woods crashed his Cadillac Escalade into a fire hydrant and a neighbor's tree just yards from his Florida home. His wife Elin Nordegren smashed the rear window with a golf club and pulled an unconscious Woods from the vehicle.
  • More than six additional women came forward claiming affairs. Jamiee Grubbs alleged a 31-month relationship.

Fallout

ItemDetail
Sponsorships lostAccenture, AT&T, Gatorade, General Motors, TAG Heuer
Public apologyFebruary 19, 2010 — live televised statement from PGA Tour HQ
DivorceFinalized in 2010 from Elin Nordegren
Tour absenceRoughly 5 months off the tour

This scandal remains one of the biggest image collapses in sports history.


2017 — First DUI Arrest

What Happened

  • May 2017: Police found Woods asleep in his car in Florida, engine running, stopped in the middle of a traffic lane.
  • His blood alcohol level was 0.00, but impairment from multiple prescription medications was confirmed.
  • Woods stated he had been taking prescribed medications and was unaware of their combined effect.

Outcome

  • Pleaded guilty to reckless driving (not DUI)
  • One year of probation
  • Completed a drug treatment program

2021 — Rancho Palos Verdes Rollover Crash

What Happened

  • February 23, 2021: Woods' SUV rolled over in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.
  • The LA County Sheriff's Department stated the vehicle was traveling at over 80 mph — nearly twice the posted speed limit.
  • The single-vehicle accident resulted in no criminal charges.

Injuries & Recovery

  • Open fractures in both legs, requiring multiple surgeries
  • Months of intensive rehabilitation
  • Many feared his career was over — yet he returned to the Masters in 2022

2026 — Second DUI Arrest (Most Recent)

What Happened

  • March 27, 2026 (Friday): Woods was driving a Land Rover in Jupiter Island, Florida when the vehicle clipped another car while attempting to overtake a truck and rolled onto its side.
  • No alcohol was detected, but drug or prescription medication impairment was suspected.
  • Woods was released on bail within hours. His mugshot showed visibly bloodshot eyes.

Context

ItemDetail
Just before arrestCompeted in the TGL (tech golf league) final
Until MastersApproximately 2 weeks away
PGA Tour responseSuspension under discussion

Former pro golfer Mark Lye publicly called for PGA Tour disciplinary action.


Tiger Woods Incident Timeline

YearIncidentKey Details
2009Infidelity scandal + home crashMultiple affairs exposed, major sponsors dropped, divorce
2017First DUI arrestFound asleep in running car, prescription drug impairment
2021Rancho Palos Verdes rolloverHigh-speed solo crash, open leg fractures
2026Second DUI arrestJupiter Island rollover, drug impairment suspected

A Recurring Pattern

Several threads run through Woods' off-course incidents:

  1. Repeated vehicle accidents — 2009, 2021, and 2026 all involved rollovers or crashes
  2. Prescription drug involvement — 2017 and 2026 both involved suspected medication impairment rather than alcohol
  3. Timing near major events — incidents have repeatedly occurred close to the Masters or other major tournaments
  4. Remarkable comebacks — each time, Woods has defied expectations and returned to competition

Greatness on the course, crisis off it — Tiger Woods remains one of sport's most complex and compelling figures.

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