Tiger Woods has lost his driver’s license for five years but will avoid jail time after reaching a plea deal in his impaired-driving case in Florida.
The 50-year-old golfer entered a no-contest plea to all charges on Wednesday. He appeared at the Martin County Courthouse for a change-of-plea hearing.
Judge Darren Steele then found Woods guilty as part of the agreement. The deal also dropped the more serious driving-under-the-influence charge.
Steele ordered two five-year license suspensions. One came from a reckless driving charge. The other came from a careless driving citation. Both suspensions will run at the same time.
“There are no exceptions. If you were to drive for any reason at all, you would go immediately back to jail,” Steele told Woods.
Woods must also pay about $1,500 in fines. He has 30 days to appeal the ruling.
Prosecutors faced challenges
State Attorney Thomas Bakkedahl said prosecutors had difficulty proving that Woods was impaired by hydrocodone during the crash.
Two toxicologists reviewed the evidence in the case. Both experts said there was not enough proof to establish impairment.
“Both toxicologists reviewing the information and evidence provided to them thought that there was insufficient proof,” Bakkedahl said. “I don’t make the facts; I accept them as they are brought to me of his impairment.”
Bakkedahl also defended the way prosecutors handled the case. Some critics had questioned whether Woods’ fame could lead to favourable treatment.
The state attorney warned Woods not to drive during his five-year suspension.
“If I can send any message to Mr Woods, it’s simply this: of all the people in the world who should not get behind the wheel of the car, it’s the gentleman who is one of the most recognizable faces on the planet,” said Bakkedahl.
“Somebody will see him, whether it’s in Georgia or Nevada or New York or where have you. He’s not to drive a car.”
Woods attended hearing with Vanessa Trump
Woods arrived at the courthouse in the front passenger seat of a black SUV. His girlfriend, Vanessa Trump, accompanied him.
Woods wore a dark suit and tie. He did not answer questions from reporters as he entered or left the courthouse.
The case began after Woods’ rollover crash in March. The crash happened on a two-lane road near his Jupiter Island home in Florida.
Woods told authorities that he looked down at his phone. He said he did not realise the truck in front of him had slowed down. Nobody suffered injuries in the crash.
A probable cause affidavit said police found two hydrocodone pills in Woods’ pocket. Officers also described him as lethargic and slow. They said he was sweating heavily and had bloodshot, glassy eyes and extremely dilated pupils.
Woods initially pleaded not guilty to the DUI charge.
The judge later allowed him to travel outside the United States for treatment in a controlled environment. Prosecutors also obtained his prescription drug records and hospital records linked to his treatment after the crash.
Woods’ golf career
Woods has not played in an official event since the 2024 British Open.
The American has won 15 major championships. Only Jack Nicklaus, with 18, has won more.
Woods also has 82 PGA Tour victories. That record is shared with Sam Snead.
He spent a record 683 weeks as the world’s No. 1 golfer. He also remains the only player to hold all four major titles at the same time, a feat known as the “Tiger Slam.”
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