Bodycam footage released by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office shows golf legend Tiger Woods telling police he was on the phone with “the President” immediately after his car crash in Florida last week. The video captures Woods’ surprise when he was arrested for driving under the influence.
The 50-year-old, winner of 15 major titles, was seen taking a sobriety test before being handcuffed. A deputy told him: “At this time, I do believe your normal faculties are impaired. And you’re under an unknown substance, so at this time you are under arrest for DUI.” Woods appeared astonished, asking: “I’m being arrested?”
Police later discovered two hydrocodone painkiller pills in Woods’ possession. According to the arrest report, he had taken “a few” prescription medications earlier in the day and disclosed having undergone seven back operations and more than 20 surgeries on his right leg.
Footage shows Woods explaining that he had been looking at his phone when his vehicle collided with the trailer of another car that had slowed ahead. “I looked down at my phone and all of a sudden, boom,” he said.
Woods has pleaded not guilty to the DUI charge and is also facing a count of refusing a urinalysis test. He has decided to step away from professional golf to focus on his health and treatment, having received judicial permission to leave the United States for this purpose.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in,” Woods said in a statement. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritise my well-being and work toward lasting recovery. I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally.”
It remains unclear which “President” Woods referred to in the footage. US President Donald Trump, who awarded Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019 and has called him a “very close friend,” confirmed he spoke with the golfer following the incident. “I have talked with Woods,” Trump told the New York Post. “I think he’s doing great, he’s doing good.”
In light of the crash and his decision to take a break, Woods will not serve as captain of the 2027 US Ryder Cup team. The PGA of America, Masters Tournament, and PGA Tour all issued statements supporting his decision to focus on recovery.
Woods previously suffered serious injuries in a 2021 car crash in California but returned to competition at the 2022 Masters, finishing 47th despite mobility challenges. He has not played in a PGA Tour-level event since missing the cut at the 2024 British Open.
