Tiger Woods to enter new plea in Florida driving under the influence case

Scheduled court appearance

Tiger Woods is scheduled to appear in a Florida courtroom on Wednesday morning to formally alter his not guilty plea in an ongoing impaired-driving case. Defense attorney Douglas Duncan submitted a filing on Tuesday in Martin County Circuit Court requesting the change-of-plea proceeding. The hearing will begin at 8:30 a.m. local time (12:30 GMT) before Judge Darren Steele. Florida court procedures require the 50-year-old defendant to appear in person rather than having counsel stand in on his behalf. The appearance takes place days ahead of a scheduled September 8 docket sounding, a pretrial session where the court was set to determine trial readiness. Court documents do not reveal the exact terms or new plea that Woods intends to enter.

The March crash and roadside investigation

The misdemeanor charges arise from a rollover collision on March 27 in Jupiter Island, Florida, near Woods' residence. According to police affidavits and witness statements, Woods was driving a Range Rover that crossed double solid lines and swerved to avoid a pickup truck towing a trailer. The vehicle clipped the truck and overturned, though neither Woods nor the other driver reported injuries. Woods had to climb out through the passenger door to exit the vehicle. Responding Martin County sheriff deputies reported that Woods appeared lethargic and slow, with dilated pupils, glassy eyes, and heavy sweating. While a breathalyzer test recorded no alcohol, Woods declined a chemical urinalysis test, and deputies discovered two hydrocodone pills in his pocket.

Body camera video released by law enforcement in April captured Woods explaining the collision to officers at the scene.

I looked down at my phone, and all of a sudden, boom.

Treatment abroad and evidence rulings

Woods remained detained for the state-mandated eight hours following the crash before posting bail. On March 31, Duncan entered not guilty pleas to charges of driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test, initially requesting a jury trial. Judge Steele granted a defense motion allowing Woods to leave the United States to seek treatment at a specialized medical facility in Switzerland. In April, prosecutors filed a subpoena request targeting Lewis Pharmacy for prescription records dating from the start of 2026 to the date of the crash. The court subsequently granted prosecutors, investigators, and experts restricted access to hospital and prescription medication records.

Woods released a public statement regarding his decision to pause his athletic schedule following the incident.

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 prioritise my wellbeing and work toward lasting recovery.

Career context and next steps

Woods returned to public view in June at the PGA Tour's Travelers Championship after completing his treatment program. The 50-year-old golfer has won 15 major championships, second only to Jack Nicklaus, and shares the PGA Tour victory record of 82 titles with Sam Snead. The Florida proceeding represents his second arrest related to driving under the influence. Wednesday's hearing will determine whether the case proceeds toward resolution without the need for the previously requested jury trial.