Prosecutors in Tiger Woods’ driving under the influence case in Florida have been granted access to the golf legend’s hospital records following a court ruling, marking a significant development in the criminal proceedings against the 50-year-old athlete.
Martin County Judge Darren Steele approved an agreement between Woods’ defense attorney and the State Attorney’s Office that allows prosecutors to request records from Cleveland Clinic Martin South Hospital, where Woods was transported after the March 27 crash on Jupiter Island. The judge signed off on the order last week, continuing a pattern of discovery in the case that has gradually expanded prosecutors’ access to Woods’ medical information.
The hospital records are likely to contain information about Woods’ condition immediately after the crash, including drug screening results and any statements Woods made regarding his use of alcohol or chemical substances. Prosecutors have indicated they are seeking comprehensive documentation related to those areas. The exact contents of the records remain unknown for now, but they could potentially become key evidence as the case progresses.
This ruling follows a similar agreement approved in May that granted prosecutors access to all of Woods’ prescription medication records at a Palm Beach pharmacy covering the period from January 1 through March 27 of this year. At that time, prosecutors sought information about how many times Woods’ prescriptions were filled, the number of pills dispensed, dosage amounts, and any accompanying warnings about driving while taking the medications.
Woods’ attorney, Doug Duncan, negotiated a protective order limiting access to both the hospital and prescription records. Under the agreement, the information may be reviewed only by prosecutors, designated law enforcement officers, prosecution experts, and Woods’ defense team. The records must remain confidential and cannot be shared beyond those parties. If either side later seeks to use the hospital records during a hearing or trial, the order requires advance notice be given to the opposing side so any objections can be filed before the information is presented in court.
Woods was arrested at the scene of the crash on March 27 after his Land Rover clipped a truck pulling a pressure-cleaning trailer while attempting to pass on a residential road with a 30 mph speed limit. The impact caused his SUV to roll onto its side. Deputies found two pain pills identified as hydrocodone in his pocket and reported that Woods showed signs of impairment, though a breathalyzer test showed no alcohol in his system.
Woods agreed to take the breathalyzer test but refused a urine test, which is used to detect drugs or medication. He was arrested and charged with driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test, both misdemeanors. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
After his arrest, Woods was granted permission by the court to travel outside the United States for comprehensive inpatient treatment. He spent nearly three months at a treatment facility in Switzerland before returning to the United States earlier this summer. He made his first public appearance since the incident last month at the PGA Tour’s Travelers Championship, where he introduced tour chief executive Brian Rolapp.
Since then, Woods has continued his work as chair of the PGA Tour’s Future Competition Committee, a role that played a significant part in developing major structural changes for professional golf. Despite his recent public appearance, there remains no timetable for his return to competitive golf.
A status hearing in the case is scheduled for August 4. As discovery continues, the legal proceedings are expected to move forward, with both prosecutors and the defense team preparing their cases ahead of potential trial.