Few athletes in modern sports have experienced the extreme highs and lows that professional golfer Tiger Woods has had in both his career and personal life since coming to global fame as an athlete. Widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time, Woods’ career has included record-breaking achievements – as well as deeply personal and public struggles.
Here’s everything to know about Tiger Woods’ history of DUI and drug-related incidents in light of his recent arrest for a DUI – aka, driving under the influence – in Florida on Friday, March 27, 2026.
A Look at Tiger Woods’ DUI Arrest and Substance-Related Controversies
GettyNASSAU, BAHAMAS – DECEMBER 07: Tiger Woods of the United States stands on the 18th green for the trophy ceremony during the final round of the Hero World Challenge 2025 at Albany Golf Course on December 07, 2025 in Nassau, Bahamas. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
For Tiger Woods, his arrest today for a DUI is not his first of the sort. Among the most notable off-course incidents was his 2017 DUI arrest, which brought renewed scrutiny to his health and inappropriate use of prescription medications. On May 29, 2017, Woods was arrested in Jupiter, Florida after police found him asleep at the wheel of his vehicle. The car was still running, but there was no evidence of alcohol inside of his system. Instead, the incident quickly shifted focus to prescription drugs with Woods later stating that he ahd experienced an ‘unexpected reaction’ to a mix of medications prescribed to him for pain and sleep following multiple back surgeries he had undergone in the months prior.
Toxicology reports revealed the presence fo several substances in his system, including prescription painkillers and anti-anxiety medications. Among the substances which Woods tested positive for were Vicodin, Xanax, Dilaudid, and Ambien. The combination of the prescription medications impaired his ability to safetly operate a vehicle – a fact which ultimately lead to his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence – aka, a DUI.
If you or anyone you know may be struggling with alcohol or drug-related issues, dependence, or abuse, contact SAMHSA’s national hotline at 1-800-662-4357 or visit their website here. You can also contact the 988 Lifeline by dialing 988 or visiting their website here. Â
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