Donald Trump has commented on his ‘close friend’ Tiger Woods after the golf icon was involved in a crash in Florida on Friday (March 27).
The 15-time major winner was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) after his Land Rover struck another vehicle at speed and then rolled over near his home on Jupiter Island, an area known for its wealthy residents.
Woods, 50, was the only person in the vehicle and was able to climb out through the passenger side after the collision.
Authorities said Woods passed a breathalyser test, though investigators reported signs of impairment.
He declined to give a urine sample and was later charged.
“When it came time for us to ask for a urinalysis test, he refused, and so he has been charged with DUI, property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test,” Sheriff John Budensiek told press on Friday.
The officer added: “Had there been someone moving in the opposite direction, we would not be having a conversation saying there was no injuries. This could’ve been a lot worse.
“He [Woods] was lethargic on scene but that we believe was because of what he was intoxicated on.”
Woods has since been released on bail.
Trump, who referred to Woods as a ‘close friend’, spoke to reporters after the crash but before it was confirmed the golfer had been taken into custody.
Trump told reporters: “He’s got some difficulty. There was an accident and that’s all I know. He’s a very close friend of mine, he’s an amazing person, an amazing man. Some difficulty, I don’t want to talk about it.”
Woods has faced scrutiny over previous driving-related incidents. In 2017, he was arrested on suspicion of DUI after being found asleep at the wheel.
He later pleaded guilty to reckless driving when it emerged that five prescription medications were in his system.
In 2021, Woods suffered multiple fractures to his legs in a separate crash in Los Angeles. Police said he had been travelling at roughly twice the speed limit before the vehicle flipped.
No charges were brought in that case, and officers said there were no indications he was impaired at the time.
Woods spent three weeks in hospital recovering, and previously told Gold Digest the injuries were ‘more painful than anything I have ever experienced’.