Tiger Woods Told Police He Was Speaking To The President’ Before DUI Arrest

Tiger Woods reportedly told police he had been speaking to “the President” moments after his recent car crash in Florida, according to newly released body camera footage.

The video, made public by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, captures the immediate aftermath of last week’s rollover accident, which has since forced the 15-time major champion to step away from golf to seek treatment.

In the footage, an officer is heard instructing Woods to remain at the scene while investigations were ongoing. In response, the golfer gestures with his phone and says: “Yeah, I was just talking with the President.”

The 50-year-old is later seen undergoing a sobriety test before being placed in handcuffs. A deputy informs him that his “normal faculties are impaired” and that he is under arrest for driving under the influence.

Visibly surprised, Woods responds: “I’m being arrested?” as he is taken into custody.

According to the arrest report, officers discovered two hydrocodone painkiller tablets in his possession. Woods admitted to taking “a few” prescription medications earlier in the day and disclosed a long history of medical procedures, including seven back operations and more than 20 surgeries on his right leg.

In the footage, Woods also explains that he had been looking at his phone when the crash occurred.

“I looked down at my phone and all of a sudden, boom,” he said, describing how he struck the trailer of a vehicle that had slowed ahead of him.

Woods has pleaded not guilty to the DUI charge and also faces an additional charge for refusing to undergo a urinalysis test.

In a statement issued this week, the golfer acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and confirmed he would step away from the sport to focus on his health.

“I understand the gravity of the situation I am in,” Woods said. “I am stepping away for a period to seek treatment and prioritise my well-being, with the aim of returning stronger both personally and professionally.”

He has reportedly been granted permission by a judge to travel for treatment.

The identity of the “President” referenced in the footage has not been officially confirmed. However, Donald Trump, who awarded Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019, told the New York Post that he had spoken with the golfer following the incident, describing him as a “very close friend”.

Meanwhile, the PGA of America has announced that Woods will no longer serve as captain of the 2027 United States Ryder Cup team. The PGA Tour and organisers of The Masters have also expressed support for his decision to seek treatment.

Woods, who suffered serious injuries in a 2021 car crash, had been hoping to compete at The Masters next week. However, this latest development casts further uncertainty over his immediate playing future, with his last PGA Tour appearance coming at the 2024 Open Championship, where he missed the cut.