Tiger Woods has been dealt another major setback months after his frightening Florida rollover crash.
The golf legend appeared in court with girlfriend Vanessa Trump by his side, where he struck a plea deal that reduced his DUI charge but came with a steep consequence.
Woods will now spend five years without a driver’s license as his recovery and uncertain future in golf remain under scrutiny.
Tiger Woods appeared at Martin County Circuit Court in Florida on Wednesday, September 2, looking stoic as he walked past photographers, with Vanessa close behind.
According to the Daily Mail, Woods pleaded guilty to reckless driving and refusal to submit to a lawful test after reaching an agreement with prosecutors.
He had initially pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence following his March 27 crash.
The deal means the 50-year-old will have his driver’s license suspended for five years.
The legal resolution marks a significant shift from Woods’ position immediately after his arrest, when attorney Douglas Duncan filed his not-guilty plea and requested a jury trial.
Reuters previously reported that Woods’ latest court appearance was specifically scheduled as a change-of-plea hearing.
Tiger Woods Crash Raised Questions About Prescription Medication
The case began when Woods’ Land Rover clipped a truck towing a trailer on a residential road near his Jupiter Island home and rolled onto its side.
Neither Woods nor the other driver was injured, although authorities said approximately $5,000 worth of damage was caused to the truck.
Woods told a deputy that he had looked down at his phone and was changing the radio when he failed to realize the vehicle ahead had slowed.
Authorities said Woods showed signs of impairment, including bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils and lethargic movements. Two hydrocodone pills were found in his pocket.
A Breathalyzer test found no alcohol in his system, but Woods refused to provide a urine sample.
The investigation later expanded to his medical history, with a judge allowing prosecutors access to certain prescription and hospital records connected to the case.
Golf Legend Sought Treatment After Latest Legal Scare
Days after the crash, Woods announced that he was stepping away from golf to focus on his health and “lasting recovery.”
Court documents later showed that he was allowed to leave the United States for treatment after his physician recommended a facility abroad because of what was described as a complex clinical situation.
Woods reportedly entered an intensive rehabilitation program in Switzerland, where sources claimed treatment included managing his long-term use of pain medication under medical supervision.
