Tiger Woods is set to alter his plea in a DUI case following a rollover collision in Florida, as per court records submitted on Tuesday. In March, Woods was involved in an incident where his Land Rover made contact with a truck, causing it to tip over. The renowned golfer initially pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence in the Martin County circuit court, located just above Palm Beach County.
A plea conference hearing is scheduled for Wednesday morning, as indicated in a notice posted on Tuesday. No specific details regarding the nature of the plea adjustment have been disclosed at this time. Both Woods’s attorney, Doug Duncan, and the State Attorney’s Office have not yet responded to requests for further information from The Associated Press.
During the Land Rover crash, Woods was reportedly speeding along a residential road on Jupiter Island, which had a speed limit of nearly 50 kilometers per hour. The collision resulted in $5,000 US worth of damage to the truck, according to an incident report. Despite the severity of the crash, Woods managed to exit the vehicle unharmed. He informed a deputy that he was distracted by his phone and adjusting the radio when the accident occurred.
While Woods cooperated with a breathalyzer test that showed no alcohol in his system, he declined to undergo a urine test. Authorities discovered two pain pills in his possession, and he displayed signs of impairment. Following the incident, Woods sought treatment at an inpatient facility outside the United States, as per court documents.
In July, Judge Darren Steele approved an arrangement allowing prosecutors access to medical records related to Woods’s crash and arrest. A similar agreement was authorized in May, granting prosecutors the ability to review all prescription medication records for Woods from a Palm Beach pharmacy for the first three months of the year.
As one of golf’s most prominent figures, Woods, aged 50, holds a significant position in the sport. Known for being the first Black person to win the Masters in 1997, he has set records that are unlikely to be surpassed. Nevertheless, his career has been plagued by various setbacks, including multiple surgeries on his back and knees, car accidents, and a reliance on pain medication.
Over the years, Woods has been involved in four accidents. In a recent 2021 crash in Los Angeles, his right leg sustained severe damage, prompting discussions about potential amputation. In a notable 2009 incident near Orlando, Florida, his SUV collided with a fire hydrant and tree. Following these incidents, Woods took breaks from the golf circuit, and he has yet to return to competitive play.
Woods made a public appearance on June 23 after completing treatment, introducing the PGA Tour’s plans for the 2028 schedule revamp. Despite his legal issues, Woods continues to serve as the chairman of the tour’s Future Competition Committee. During his appearance, he refrained from taking questions from the media.