The court’s ruling in Tiger Woods‘ DUI case will alter parts of his regular life.
The golf champ took a plea deal that lowered his driving under the influence charge to reckless and careless driving. He initially pleaded not guilty to the DUI charge following his arrest on March 27.
Tiger Woods was arrested near his Florida home in Jupiter Island after his Land Rover clipped a truck towing a pressure-cleaning trailer. However, neither he nor the truck driver sustained any injuries in the incident.
5Woods struck a plea deal in his DUI case after his attorney, Doug Duncan, filed a motion with the Martin County circuit court to change his plea. He pleaded no contest to reckless driving and refusing to submit to a urine test.
The athlete walked away with no jail time, probation, or community service, but instead received a five-year ban from motor vehicles and a $1,500 fine. Woods’ pledge not to drive a motor vehicle till 2031 may affect more than his personal daily life; it may extend to his career and hobby.
This plea deal may have made golf carts off-limits as well, which the pro-golfer is used to hopping in to move around the course. “There are no exceptions. If you were to drive for any reason at all, you would go immediately back to jail,” the judge warned in his ruling, according to TMZ.
Are There Any Leeways To The Court’s Ruling?
5Judge Darren Steele made it clear at the September 1 hearing that Woods will be arrested if he ignores the court’s ruling and drives, regardless of distance or circumstances.
In Florida, a golf cart is considered a motor vehicle, and the golf champ has famously gotten behind the wheel of his golf carts, especially during practice or friendly plays. If Woods slips into what has been second nature to him for years, even for a split second, he could land behind bars.
However, the situation gets a bit tricky because in states like California, a golf cart under 1300 pounds is not considered a motor vehicle but a “specialized recreational vehicle”
This means that a tourney at Torrey Pines, owned by the City of San Diego, might be an exception, but Woods would be playing it too close to the skin. If that happens, Judge Steele could say that the relevant law is Florida law and that, in that state, a golf cart is a motor vehicle.
The Florida judge also did not categorically say Woods could not drive motor vehicles; instead, he said, “if you were to drive for any reason,” a blanket statement that could cover more than traditional vehicles.
More From The Blast
Inside The Incident That Sparked Tiger Woods’ Legal Drama
5In case you missed it, The Blast reported that it all went down after Woods rolled his Land Rover on March 27 after he “overtook” a truck carrying a trailer. The crash caused about $5,000 in damage to the truck.
At the time, the golfer alleged that he looked down at his phone to change the radio and failed to notice the vehicle ahead had slowed.
Authorities said that he showed signs of impairment, which raised the question of whether or not he was under the influence. The officers noted Woods had extremely dilated pupils, lethargic movements, and glossy and bloodshot eyes.
He agreed to a breathalyzer test, which showed he had no alcohol in his system, but refused to provide a urine sample, which would have helped officers determine the exact substances in his system. Authorities also found two hydrocodone pills in his pocket at the time of his arrest.
The Golfer Has A Support System Through This Legal Battle
5Woods did not appear in court for his hearing alone; his girlfriend, Vanessa Trump, supported him during the defining moment. The couple walked side by side as they entered and exited the Martin County Courthouse in Stuart, Florida.
US Weekly reports that the lovebirds began dating in late 2024 but didn’t confirm their relationship until they went official on social media in March 2025.
Woods and Trump have supported each other since the incident. However, speculation suggested the president’s ex-daughter-in-law gave Woods an ultimatum to get his act together.
Shortly after his arrest, the professional golfer announced that he would be entering rehab to focus on his health and “work toward lasting recovery.” A few months later, Trump revealed she was battling breast cancer, and her beau briefly left rehab to stand by her side and show his support for her.
Tiger Woods Reportedly Put His Needs On The Back Burner For His Girlfriend
5Sources revealed shortly after Trump went public with her diagnosis that Woods did not leave her side. “Vanessa’s needs and issues have taken Tiger’s thoughts outside of his own legal, medical, and personal struggles, which has been good for him,” the insider shared.
The Blast reported that he prioritized her well-being over his legal and career troubles and was deeply supportive of her medical journey. The couple was reportedly staying optimistic about the 48-year-old’s treatment process with high hopes of a smooth recovery.
Woods left his rehabilitation program abroad in Switzerland to be a pillar of support for Trump back in the States. She underwent surgery and had advanced treatments in top-notch healthcare facilities at her disposal to ensure she got the best care possible.
