Tiger Woods has pleaded guilty to charges of careless and reckless driving after a rollover crash in Florida, avoiding the more serious driving-under-the-influence offence. His driving licence has been suspended for five years.
The 15-time major champion entered the plea on Wednesday at Martin County Courthouse in Stuart, Florida, following the road accident on 27 March.
Judge Darren Steele warned Woods that any attempt to drive during the suspension would result in an immediate return to jail.
“If you were to drive for any reason at all you would go immediately back to jail,” Judge Darren Steele told the golf superstar during the brief hearing.
Woods originally faced a charge of driving under the influence, but that offence was withdrawn as part of a plea agreement. Under the deal, he admitted the lesser charges of careless and reckless driving, according to CNN.
The crash happened on a residential road when Woods’ vehicle clipped a truck towing a trailer while he was attempting to pass. The car then overturned and came to rest on its side.
Authorities concluded that Woods had not been drinking alcohol, but said he appeared to be impaired at the time of the collision.
The golfer was found to have two pills containing hydrocodone, an opioid painkiller, in his pocket. He refused to provide a urine sample for analysis and was subsequently charged, jailed and released on bond.
Woods has a long history of serious physical injuries. He has undergone several back operations and also required surgery for severe leg injuries sustained in a 2021 car crash in California.
Since the Florida accident, Woods has travelled outside the United States to receive treatment at an inpatient facility. He is reported to have sought care in Switzerland.
The plea brings the legal proceedings over the crash closer to an end, although the five-year suspension means Woods is prohibited from driving during that period. The warning from Judge Steele also made clear that breaching the terms of the ruling could lead to further time in jail.
Woods’ career has been repeatedly interrupted by injury in recent years. His previous operations on his back, followed by the serious leg injuries suffered in California, have limited his appearances and ability to compete regularly.
The Florida case centred on his condition while driving rather than alcohol consumption. Although investigators did not find that he had been drinking, the presence of hydrocodone and his refusal to undergo urine testing formed part of the circumstances surrounding the charges.
Further details are expected to emerge as the case is concluded.
