Tiger Woods' DUI case is now a wrap.
Woods pleaded no contest in Martin County Circuit Court in Florida, and was adjudicated guilty by County Judge Darren Steele of willful wanton reckless driving second offense and refusal to submit to lawful test. He also received a $1,500 fine, and his driver’s license was suspended for five years.
Thus puts an end to a case that unfolded over five months after the golf superstar was arrested following a rollover crash in Florida. Here's a complete timeline of the case, from the initial crash and arrest through Wednesday's court proceedings and plea change.
March 2026: Tiger Woods arrested after rollover crash
Woods was arrested after his Land Rover clipped a truck and rolled onto its side on Jupiter Island, Florida. Authorities said Woods showed signs of impairment
after the crash. A Breathalyzer test reportedly showed no alcohol in his system, but Woods refused a urine test. Investigators also reported finding hydrocodone pills in his pocket.
March 2026: Woods enters not guilty plea
Following the arrest, Woods entered a not guilty plea to the charges filed in Martin County. According to TC Palm, part of the USA TODAY network, Woods' attorney Douglas Duncan of Roth & Duncan in West Palm Beach, Florida, submitted the official plea declaring not guilty, waiving Woods' arraignment and demanding a trial by jury.
March-April 2026: Woods steps away from golf
Days after the arrest, Woods announced he was stepping away from golf to "seek treatment and focus on my health." Court records later showed Woods traveled outside the United States for inpatient treatment.
"I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today," Woods wrote in a social media post. "I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.
"I'm committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time."
May 2026: Prosecutors obtain prescription records
A judge approved an agreement allowing prosecutors access to Woods' prescription medication records from before the crash. Florida prosecutors filed the notice April 7, seeking copies of "any and all prescription medication on file" for Woods to include type of prescription, number of pills, dosage amount and "all special instructions on how to take the medication," including warnings about operating a motor vehicle while taking the prescriptions.
June 2026: Woods makes first public appearance since DUI arrest
In his first public appearance since his DUI arrest, Woods introduced PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp at a news conference in Cromwell, Connecticut as part of his role as the chair of the PGA Tour's Future Competitions Committee. He read from a prepared statement and did not take any questions. The news conference was an introduction to the Tour's new competitive model and scheduling format beginning in 2028.
Sept. 1, 2026: Court filing reveals plea change
Court documents filed Sept. 1 indicated Woods planned to change the not guilty plea he entered earlier in the case. No details regarding the new plea were immediately disclosed in the filing.
Sept. 2, 2026: Woods pleads guilty to reduced charge
Woods appeared in Martin County court and pleaded no contest to a reduced reckless driving charge, bringing a major development and resolution to the case that stemmed from his March arrest. The plea represented a change from the not guilty plea Woods had previously entered after the crash, and the judge adjudicated Woods as guilty.
USA TODAY Sports reporters Mark Giannotto, Steve Gardner, Josh Peter, Chris Bumbaca, Brent Schrotenboer, Scooby Axson, James Williams and Jon Hoefling contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tiger Woods DUI case timeline: Arrest, plea and key court developments
