Golfer Tiger Woods is scheduled to appear in a Florida court on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, for a plea conference hearing where he is expected to change his 'not guilty' plea in a driving under the influence case, according to court dockets. The legal proceedings stem from a rollover crash that occurred in March 2026 on Jupiter Island, Florida, when his Land Rover clipped a truck and rolled onto its side. According to police records, the collision caused an estimated $5,000 in damage to the struck truck.
The plea conference is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. ET at the Martin County Courthouse in Florida, per court schedules. Deputies responding to the March 2026 crash scene reported observing signs of impairment, including profuse sweating, bloodshot eyes, and lethargic movements, according to the incident report. Authorities also recovered two hydrocodone pills from Woods' pocket during the post-accident investigation. While a Breathalyzer test administered at the scene registered zero alcohol content, Woods admitted to taking prescription medications and refused a subsequent urine test, resulting in charges of driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
Following the March 2026 arrest, Tiger Woods issued a public statement addressing 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," Woods stated. His attorney, Doug Duncan, had previously requested a jury trial for the charges.
The specific nature of the plea change, such as whether Woods will enter a guilty plea or no contest, and whether a formal plea deal has been reached with prosecutors, has not been publicly released as of the court date. DUI defense attorney Ted Hollander, who is not involved in the case, noted that the discovery of medication in Woods' pocket complicates his defense strategy.
The current proceedings mark Woods' second DUI arrest. In 2017, he was arrested for driving under the influence in Jupiter, Florida, and subsequently pleaded guilty to reckless driving after five prescription drugs were found in his system. In addition to his legal history, Woods experienced a serious single-vehicle rollover crash in February 2021 that resulted in severe leg injuries, requiring extensive rehabilitation before he returned to competitive play.
For Tiger Woods, this legal development represents another significant setback in his ongoing efforts to maintain a consistent presence in competitive professional golf following years of physical injuries and previous personal incidents. His public image and potential endorsement opportunities could be further impacted by the resolution of the Florida DUI case as the court hearing gets underway.
