Tiger Woods pleads no contest to reckless driving charge over rollover crash in March

Tiger Woods pleads no contest to reckless driving charge over rollover crash in March By Daniel Kozin Associated Press September 2, 2026 - 8:45 am STUART, Florida — Tiger Woods entered a no‑contest plea to a reckless driving charge and had his driver’s licence suspended for five years on Wednesday, following a March rollover crash in Florida where he was initially accused of driving under the influence. Before the proceedings began in Marin County, the 50‑year‑old golfer sat at the defense table, gazing at the largely empty courtroom gallery. He spoke little as he accepted the reduced charge. Woods arrived at the courthouse accompanied by his girlfriend, Vanessa Trump — former daughter‑in‑law of President Donald Trump — who sat beside him during the hearing. Described as still one of golf’s most influential figures and as recognizable as any athlete worldwide, Woods has endured a turbulent period since his 2019 Masters victory, which marked his 15th major title. His career has been hampered by repeated back and knee surgeries, multiple automobile accidents, and reliance on pain medication. He was arrested in March after his SUV struck a truck and rolled onto its side on a beachside residential road near his Jupiter Island residence. A sheriff’s report noted that deputies found two pain pills in his pocket and observed signs of impairment. Although a Breathalyzer test returned negative, Woods declined to provide a urine sample. He had originally pleaded not guilty to the DUI charge. The lead prosecutor said two toxicologists concluded there was insufficient evidence of impairment and determined Woods had developed a “pharmacological” tolerance. State attorney Thomas Bakkedahl defended the decision to accept the plea, stating, “I did what I deliberation is right.” Woods departed the courthouse without addressing reporters. He also entered a no‑contest plea to refusing to submit to investigation after the crash and was fined $1,500, according to court documents. Judge Darren Steele admonished Woods, saying, “If you were to thrust for immoderate crushed astatine all, you would instantly spell backmost to jail.” Woods’ lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A no‑contest plea is not an admission of guilt but signifies that the accused will offer no defense; it is recorded as a conviction in the criminal justice system. Officials confirmed that neither Woods nor the occupant of the other vehicle suffered injuries in the collision. However, his Land Rover inflicted $5,000 worth of damage to the truck, per a police report. Woods told a deputy he had been looking down at his phone and adjusting the volume setting when he struck the vehicle. Over the years Woods has been involved in four crashes. He took a leave from the tour circuit after the 2009 incident and again following the most recent accident, and has not yet returned to tournament play. He left the United States to seek treatment at an inpatient facility, according to court records. On June 23, Woods made his first public appearance since completing treatment, unveiling the PGA Tour’s proposal to overhaul its schedule for 2028. He retained his role as president of the tour’s Future Competition Committee after his arrest and did not field questions during that event.