Tiger Woods’ Surgeries Affected How He Completed Sobriety Tests After Crash

Tiger Woods, the 15‑time major champion and one of golf’s most iconic figures, was involved in a rollover crash near his Jupiter Island, Florida, home on March 27, 2026. According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Woods’ Land Rover clipped a trailer pulled by a pickup truck and flipped onto its side. This prompted his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence after deputies observed signs of impairment at the scene. Though a breathalyzer test showed no alcohol in his system, Woods refused a urine test and had prescription pain medication in his pocket. And here’s why he performed some of his sobriety tests while seated.

Tiger Woods performed some of his sobriety tests seated on a patrol vehicle’s bumper following his March 2026 car crash

On March 27, 2026, Tiger Woods was involved in a dramatic rollover crash on a residential road near his Jupiter Island, Florida, home. His Land Rover clipped another vehicle and flipped onto the driver’s side, according to CNN. According to the arrest affidavit, Woods told deputies he had been looking at his phone and adjusting the radio just before the crash. He had prescription pain medication (hydrocodone) in his pocket, though a breathalyzer showed no alcohol.

Woods refused a urine test, a refusal that carries its own charge under Florida law. Woods was charged with DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. He has since entered a not guilty plea and requested a jury trial.

According to the affidavit, Woods performed some of his sobriety tests seated on a patrol vehicle’s bumper. This was because of the golf legend’s physical limitations. He’s had seven total back surgeries and more than 20 operations on his leg.

Unfortunately, Woods reportedly made several errors during the sobriety tests. The deputy also noticed how Woods “continuously moved his head from side to side and had to be instructed several times to keep his head straight.” The legend was also reportedly sweating profusely and had hiccups.

The golf legend has a history of back and leg surgeries all the way up until 2025

Tiger Woods has had numerous leg surgeries throughout his golf career. According to Sports Illustrated, he had two benign tumors removed from his left knee in 1994. He’s also had surgeries to repair cartilage damage, have fluid removed, and repair his ACL through the years. In February 2021, he broke his right leg and ankle in a car accident. The surgery required the insertion of a rod into his tibia and screws and pins into his foot and ankle. Then, in 2023, Woods had ankle surgery once more.

As for Woods’ back, he had surgery on a pinched nerve in 2014. The following year, he had two microdiscectomy surgeries on his back to remove bone fragments. And the following month, he had yet another back surgery. In 2017, Woods underwent a spinal fusion. Then, in 2021, Woods had another microdiscectomy to remove a bone fragment that was resulting in a pinched nerve. The golf star underwent his seventh back surgery in October 2025 after a collapsed disc.

“After experiencing pain and lack of mobility in my back, I consulted with doctors and surgeons to have tests taken,” he posted to X in October 2025. “The scans determined that I had a collapsed disc in L4/5, disc fragments and a compromised spinal canal.”

“I have opted to have my disc replaced yesterday and I already know I made a good decision for my health and my back,” he continued.

In January 2026, he gave a health update following the surgery.

“I’ve been cleared to hit, basically, hit short irons and mid irons,” Woods told ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt, according to People. “I haven’t gone any beyond that. … Whenever that time comes, when I start hitting drivers, and I start playing at home, and start doing all the different things, I will have been away from the game for a year and a half, so I’m gonna be pretty rusty.”

Woods also admitted that he’d have to prep for competitions differently due to his age and past surgeries. “I’ve had to stay a lot more patient with myself,” he said. “I get sore faster, I guess, because I’m 50. And that happens.”