Serious concerns are being raised about those in the upper echelons of elite golf following the recent car crash involving troubled legend Tiger Woods, who is allegedly under the influence once more.
Woods, widely regarded as the greatest golfer of all time and an unparalleled figure in the sport, faced charges on Saturday for driving under the influence, resulting in property damage, alongside a refusal to comply with a lawful test, both misdemeanours.
The incident occurred when he rolled his SUV after making contact with a truck’s trailer. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported.
Investigators at the scene suspected that Woods may have been under the influence of medication or drugs. They noted he appeared lethargic and agreed to a breath test, which indicated “triple zeroes” — signifying no alcohol in his system. However, by opting out of a urine test, authorities indicated that they would be unable to ascertain the true cause of his impairment.
This incident echoes Woods’ 2017 arrest in Florida, where he was discovered asleep at the wheel of his running vehicle, with the right turn signal activated, two flat tyres, and minor damage to one side of the car.
Woods attributed that incident to an unfortunate combination of medications. Subsequent toxicology reports unveiled traces of marijuana, two painkillers, a sleeping pill, and an anti-anxiety drug, with no alcohol found.
Tiger Woods following his recent car accident, and during his Tomorrow Golf League. Nine
The pain medication has become a common element for this revered yet troubled golfer.
Woods has endured a total of four knee surgeries — the last occurring just a week after he clinched the US Open title despite sustaining shredded knee ligaments and two stress fractures. Additionally, he underwent four back surgeries in a span of just four years (from 2014 to 2017) yet managed to triumphantly return to win the Masters in 2019, showcasing one of the sport’s most remarkable comebacks.
However, the most severe crash transpired in February 2021. His SUV was clocked travelling at 135 to 140 km/h in a zone limited to 72 km/h when it veered off a coastal road in suburban Los Angeles, tumbling down a hillside and crashing into a tree.
No citations were issued, and Los Angeles authorities did not pursue a warrant for blood samples. The injuries sustained to his right leg and ankle were severe — Woods later mentioned that amputation had been contemplated — making his return to competition all the more notable.
Since that incident, Woods has not returned to his previous form. Over the past five years, he has participated in just 11 tournaments, and during the four occasions where he completed all 72 holes, he finished no less than 16 strokes behind the victor. He shares the record for the most PGA Tour wins at 82, alongside 15 major championships to his name.
The overturned vehicle involved in a rollover incident with Tiger Woods in Jupiter Island. AP
Since the early hours of Saturday (AEDT), both his manager, Mark Steinberg, and the PGA Tour have refrained from making public comments.
However, some have candidly admitted to overlooking numerous warning signs leading up to the incident.
Viewers of Woods’ Tomorrow Golf League—an indoor virtual competition featuring some of the sport’s top players—have observed troubling signs in recent times.
Footage circulating on social media has shown the 50-year-old sweating profusely for no apparent reason and slurring his speech. Speculation suggests that Woods might have been under the influence of substances or in the throes of withdrawal.
Prominent golf podcaster Sam Riggs was reportedly criticised for instructing his team at the Fore Play Podcast to refrain from discussing Woods’ crash. He later confirmed this to be accurate.
“You think I told our team not to report on Tiger’s DUI and to shield him? Absolutely I did,” he asserted vehemently in a social media post.
Fans in support of Tiger Woods during the third round of the Texas Children’s Houston Open. Getty
“We need to protect Tiger Woods with unwavering commitment,” he added.
High-profile golf journalist Dan Rapaport faced a flood of backlash online after sharing a tearful response to the Woods situation during the weekend.
“It’s really distressing news to wake up to,” Rapaport expressed in his video. “It’s just terribly sad… many of us grew up idolising him, and this isn’t the news we want associated with him.”
“He appeared genuinely well at TGL just weeks ago, looking happy and engaged. We all want to see Tiger thrive and be well.”
Both Rapaport and Riggs are among those accused of defending Woods when it’s crucial that the renowned golfer faces accountability.
Prominent golf writer Alan Shipnuck has called out members of Woods’ inner circle, alleging that they have failed to address his possible drug addiction and mental health struggles.
Woods shared an exceptionally close bond with his father, Earl, who passed away in 2006, and was also deeply connected to his mother, Kutilda, who died last February.
“Tiger has had countless opportunities, with many people attempting to provide him with help, yet he remains on this self-destructive trajectory,” Shipnuck told CNN. “It raises concerns for his future and for his children. We ought to be worried about his well-being as a person; clearly, he is still battling with his inner demons and has a long road ahead in the quest for health.”
“It may now be his children who step in to help him. His father Earl was the one person able to speak honestly to Tiger, and since his passing in 2006, Tiger has seemingly spiralled downwards.”
Shipnuck observed, “There appears to be a lack of people around Tiger who genuinely care about him enough to tell him the difficult truths. It’s a web of enablers, yes-men and employees who won’t hold him accountable.”
“For almost twenty years, Tiger has faced public humiliation, with run-ins with the law, invasive coverage of his private life, and a number of controversies. You often wish he had chosen to step away from golf at the pinnacle of his career, as he’s tarnishing the legacy that so many admired.”
Shipnuck went further, accusing authorities of “sweeping under the rug” Woods’ previous rollover incident in 2021.
Many are questioning why the billionaire golf icon doesn’t employ a personal chauffeur to eliminate the risk of driving.
The Daily Mail has reported that former US President Donald Trump has instructed his secret service to ensure his grandchildren do not ride with Woods if he is behind the wheel. Woods is currently dating Vanessa Trump, the former daughter-in-law of Trump and mother to five of his grandchildren.
Trump and Woods maintain a friendship, but the ongoing concerns regarding Woods’ driving and alleged substance misuse have prompted action.
“It’s a strict no. He wants to keep Tiger away from the wheel when his grandkids are in the car,” a source relayed to Rob Shuter’s Naughty But Nice Substack. “Trump detests anything related to drugs or alcohol, particularly concerning his family… In his view, the risks are simply too great.”
Just last week, speculation was rife regarding Woods potentially making a grand return at the Masters in Augusta National on April 9. He was also considering captaining the American team for the upcoming Ryder Cup.
“This is deeply troubling,” said Woods’ fellow professional golfer Kevin Kisner during an NBC interview. “He was diligently working on his game, committed to training and preparing. He even signed up for the US Senior Open just yesterday. It’s truly an unfortunate situation… the sole silver lining is that no one was hurt, and we must all strive to assist him in making a positive change.”
For now, the golfing community is united in hoping that Woods can steer his life back on a positive path.
– with AP
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