Tiger Woods' Troubled History of Car Crashes and Injuries

The golf legend has been involved in multiple automobile incidents since 2009, causing personal, physical, and professional harm.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 12:19am

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Tiger Woods, the 50-year-old golf legend, has been involved in four major incidents involving automobiles since 2009, including a recent DUI arrest and crash near his home in Jupiter Island, Florida. These incidents have taken a significant toll on Woods, both personally and professionally, as he has faced legal consequences, physical injuries, and a decline in his golf career.

Why it matters

Woods' history of car crashes and injuries highlights the challenges that even the most successful athletes can face when it comes to personal conduct and health issues. These incidents have impacted Woods' public image, legal standing, and ability to compete at the highest level of golf, raising questions about the long-term effects of such events on an athlete's career and legacy.

The details

In the most recent incident, on March 27, 2026, Woods was arrested and jailed on charges of driving under the influence following a two-car crash near his home in Jupiter Island, Florida. The crash occurred when Woods' Land Rover attempted to overtake a pickup truck at high speed, clipping the back of the trailer and causing Woods' car to roll. Woods passed a breathalyzer test but refused a urinalysis, leading to the DUI charge. This is the fourth major incident involving Woods and an automobile since 2009, including a 2009 crash into a fire hydrant and tree, a 2017 DUI arrest, and a near-fatal single-car crash in 2021 that left Woods with extensive injuries to his right leg and ankle.

  • On November 27, 2009, Woods crashed his SUV into a fire hydrant and a tree outside of his home near Orlando, Florida, at 2:30 a.m.
  • On May 29, 2017, Woods was arrested in Jupiter, Florida, on suspicion of driving under the influence.
  • On February 23, 2021, Woods was speeding on a winding road near Los Angeles at more than 80 mph when he crashed his Genesis SUV in a near-fatal single-car crash.
  • On March 27, 2026, Woods was arrested and jailed on charges of driving under the influence following a two-car crash near his home in Jupiter Island, Florida.

The players

Tiger Woods

A 50-year-old professional golfer who has won 14 major championships and is tied with Sam Snead for most PGA Tour victories, but has faced a series of personal and professional setbacks due to his history of car crashes and injuries.

Elin Nordegren

Woods' ex-wife who was at the scene of the 2009 crash, helping Woods out of the car after using a golf club to break the vehicle's rear window.

John M. Budensiek

The Martin County Sheriff who provided details about the most recent crash involving Woods in Jupiter Island, Florida.

Alex Villanueva

The Los Angeles County Sheriff who stated that there were no signs of impairment in the 2021 crash involving Woods.

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What they’re saying

“I'm lucky to be alive and also have a limb.”

— Tiger Woods

What’s next

Woods is scheduled to appear at the annual Champions Dinner at the 2026 Masters tournament, as well as the re-opening of the Augusta Municipal Golf Course. However, he has not yet announced a decision on whether he will compete in the 2026 Masters, which starts on April 8.

The takeaway

Tiger Woods' history of car crashes and injuries serves as a cautionary tale about the risks and consequences that even the most successful athletes can face when it comes to personal conduct and health issues. These incidents have had a significant impact on Woods' public image, legal standing, and ability to compete at the highest level of golf, raising questions about the long-term effects of such events on an athlete's career and legacy.