Tiger Woods, the legendary 15-time major champion, has reportedly refused to hire a professional driver following his arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) on March 27, 2026.
A source close to the situation confirmed to PEOPLE that Woods believes he is still capable of driving and doesn’t want anyone overseeing his actions. According to the source, Woods is confident in his ability to drive and prefers not to have someone watching over him.
Arrest and DUI Charges Following Crash
Woods, 50, was arrested after a car crash involving his Land Rover, which had rolled onto its side after he swiped a truck pulling a trailer. Woods attempted to pass the truck at a high rate of speed, which caused the accident. Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek confirmed that Woods was showing signs of impairment, prompting DUI investigators to conduct several tests at the scene.
Although Woods was not under the influence of alcohol (his breathalyzer test showed no alcohol in his system), he refused to submit to a urinalysis test. As a result, Woods was charged with DUI. Fortunately, neither Woods nor the driver of the truck were injured in the crash.
Previous Injuries and Current Health Struggles
This incident follows Woods’ previous recovery from significant injuries. In 2021, he suffered open fractures to both his tibia and fibula in a single-vehicle crash. More recently, Woods has been dealing with a ruptured Achilles tendon, which led to surgery and his decision to undergo “minimally-invasive Achilles tendon repair” in March 2025 after experiencing sharp pain in his left Achilles.
He is still rehabbing from these injuries and has expressed interest in playing senior golf, particularly on the PGA Tour Champions circuit, which allows the use of golf carts.
U.S. Senior Open and Future Golf Plans
Despite the recent crash, Woods remains committed to the idea of competing in the U.S. Senior Open. He has registered for the tournament but has not yet made a final decision on whether he will compete. A spokesperson for the United States Golf Association confirmed that Woods entered to ensure eligibility but will decide closer to the event.
Woods is eligible to participate in senior major events this year, and his interest in competing on the PGA Tour Champions has increased, especially due to the use of carts at regular tour events. This option could assist him in managing his physical condition as he continues his recovery.
Woods’ Legacy in Golf
Tiger Woods remains one of the greatest and most influential golfers in history. With 15 major championships, he ranks second behind Jack Nicklaus (18) in career majors and holds a tie with Sam Snead for the most PGA Tour victories, with 82 wins. Despite facing personal and physical challenges, Woods continues to make an impact both on and off the course.
