Tiger Woods spotted playing golf for the first time since DUI charge
Tiger Woods has been seen playing golf at Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey, marking his first appearance since facing charges for driving under the influence, reports BritPanorama.
Footage shows the American golfer on the driving range, as he was queried about his game. Woods responded, “I can hit pretty much anything.” The 50-year-old has not competed in a professional tournament since the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon.
This public appearance follows a notable incident earlier this month when Woods attended a game at Stanford, where he engaged with sideline staff and supported his former university team, the Stanford Cardinal, as they faced the Miami Hurricanes. He has recently accepted a five-year suspension of his driving licence after revising his plea related to a rollover crash in Florida, resulting in a $1,000 fine, approximately £742, in a plea deal with prosecutors.
In March, Woods had entered a not-guilty plea regarding charges of driving under the influence and refusing a breathalyser test after his vehicle collided with a truck and overturned. No one was injured in the incident, although Woods needed to exit his vehicle through the passenger side. Body camera footage from the police showed him calmly explaining the moments before the accident, stating, “I looked down at my phone, and all of a sudden, boom.” He reported not having consumed alcohol and later passed a breathalyser test.
However, following his arrest, it was revealed that Woods declined to provide a urine sample for further drug testing. During police questioning, he disclosed taking prescription medication that morning, including hydrocodone, which was later found on him during his arrest. Authorities indicated that his faculties were believed to be impaired by an “unknown substance,” raising complex discussions surrounding prescription medication use and its implications for athletes.
This incident adds yet another layer to Woods’ storied career, demonstrating the precarious intersection of personal challenges and professional performance in athletics. As he takes to the greens again, one is reminded of how quickly the narrative surrounding a celebrated figure can shift, not just in terms of accolades but in the very fabric of public perception and accountability in sport.
