Woods in Another Car Accident... His Fourth "Automotive Nightmare"

Another car accident. This is already the fourth. The story is about the "golf emperor," Tiger Woods of the United States.

On March 27 (local time), Woods was involved in a car accident while driving his Land Rover on a two-lane road on Jupiter Island in Martin County, Florida. He attempted to overtake a pickup truck towing a small trailer and collided with it. The vehicle overturned, but Woods was able to escape through the passenger-side window and did not suffer any serious injuries.

At the scene, Woods was suspected of driving under the influence (DUI) and was arrested. While the breathalyzer test was negative, he refused the urine test and was detained according to state law. Local police said, "Woods was in a typical state of impaired driving ability," and suggested that given his recent Achilles tendon and back surgeries last year, there was a strong possibility he had been driving under the influence of medication.

According to a report released by the Martin County Sheriff's Office, authorities found two white opioid pills used for pain treatment at the scene of the accident. Opioids are classified as narcotic analgesics, and even the so-called "zombie drug" fentanyl falls under the opioid category. The Martin County Sheriff's Office also released Woods's mugshot (a photograph documenting a suspect's appearance).

After paying bail and being released, Woods pleaded not guilty and requested a jury trial. He announced that he would suspend his activities to focus on treatment. Due to Woods's traffic accident, his participation in the first major tournament of the season, the Masters, scheduled for early this month, was canceled. He also voluntarily stepped down from his role as captain of the U.S. team for the Ryder Cup, the men's golf competition between the U.S. and Europe, to be held in Ireland in 2027.

Once again, Woods faces a major crisis in his athletic career. After competing in The Open in July 2024, he underwent Achilles tendon surgery in March last year and back disc surgery in October, and had not appeared in any official matches since. While focusing on his recovery, he returned to competition on March 24 at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, for the second leg of the 2025-2026 TGL final, joining Kim Joohyung and Max Homa of the United States.

Woods showed promise in his TGL comeback match. He demonstrated exceptional form, hitting a 318-yard drive and performing well in all aspects, from chip shots and putting to full swings, indicating that he had recovered physically. It seemed he was ready to make a full comeback.

However, this latest accident has completely derailed Woods's comeback scenario. His participation in the Masters was also called off. The tournament, known as the "Tournament of Masters," will open on April 9 at Augusta National in Augusta, Georgia. Woods has won the Masters, a major tournament, five times. In 2019, he donned the green jacket for the first time in 14 years, deeply moving golf fans worldwide, but his return this year was thwarted by the car accident.

This is not the first time Woods has been involved in a scandalous traffic accident. In November 2009, he was involved in a mysterious car accident near his home in Orlando, Florida. Afterward, a series of scandals related to his private life surfaced, badly damaging his reputation. He lost major sponsors and was unable to participate in tournaments for some time. He returned to the field in 2010 after divorcing his ex-wife, Elin Nordegren.

After overcoming numerous setbacks and returning to the top, Woods faced another car-related incident in 2017. He was arrested after falling asleep in his car, which was poorly parked with damage to the driver's side, near his home in Florida. Two of the car's tires were flat.

Woods was again embarrassed when a mugshot showing him with half-closed eyes was released. Tests showed he had not been drinking. However, it was revealed that he had taken a mixture of painkillers, sleeping pills, and antidepressants. Woods testified in court that he had mistakenly mixed the painkillers and admitted to reckless driving charges. He was sentenced to fines, probation, and community service by the court.

In February 2021, he suffered the most horrific car accident of his career. While driving a Genesis GV80 near Rolling Hills Estates, Los Angeles, California, he was involved in a rollover accident on a downhill section. Police concluded that Woods had been speeding and accelerated through a curve, causing the crash. There was no evidence of alcohol or drug use. He sustained severe injuries, including fractures to his leg and ankle. Doctors even considered amputation. There were predictions that his playing career was over.

Woods underwent long-term treatment and rehabilitation, eventually making his comeback at the Masters in April 2022. Since then, he has played in only 11 PGA Tour events, finishing all 72 holes in just four of them. In the third round of the 2024 Masters, he shot a 10-over-par 82. Woods is tied with Sam Snead of the United States for the most career wins on the PGA Tour with 82 victories. He needed just one more win to make history, but the dream is becoming increasingly distant due to his car accidents.

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.