Tiger Woods to Face Judge for First Time Since DUI Arrest

Tiger Woods is scheduled to appear in court in person for the first time since his March car accident, according to multiple reports citing county records. The hearing is set for 8:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday, September 8, in Martin County, Florida.

Woods faces two misdemeanor charges: DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. The 15-time major winner has pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to reports.

The court appearance comes after several postponements. The hearing was initially expected around April 17, then set for May 5, moved to July 10, and pushed again after an August 4 hearing. The delays have been attributed to ongoing discovery, with prosecutors working through requests for Woods' prescription and hospital records. A ruling in July granted prosecutors access to his hospital records from the day of the crash.

Details of the Crash and Arrest

Woods was arrested on March 27, 2026, following a rollover crash on Jupiter Island, Florida. According to one report, his Land Rover struck a truck at high speed and rolled onto its side on a residential street. Police who responded found two hydrocodone pills in Woods' pocket and observed signs of impairment. A breathalyzer test showed he had no alcohol in his system (0.00), but he refused a urine test, according to reports. He was booked into the Martin County jail that night.

Woods' attorney, Douglas Duncan, has handled every hearing in the case. Woods waived arraignment and demanded a jury trial, according to reports.

Rehab and Public Absence

Woods has spent most of 2026 out of public view. After the crash, he was granted court permission to leave the country for rehabilitation. He entered a treatment facility in Switzerland in April and stayed roughly two months before returning to the U.S. in June, according to reports.

Since returning, Woods has made just one public appearance: introducing the PGA Tour's new policy with CEO Brian Roller. His next scheduled public moment, beyond the courtroom, is speculated to be the Nexus Cup in New York City on September 14, a charity event benefiting the TGR Foundation, where he typically hits balls for guests.

Personal Life and Vanessa Trump

Part of Woods' low profile has been tied to his personal life. His girlfriend, Vanessa Trump, underwent treatment for breast cancer. She announced on May 20 that she had been diagnosed and had undergone a procedure that week. Woods briefly returned from Switzerland after her announcement and attended her daughter Kai's high school graduation later that month, according to reports. On June 13, Trump posted an update saying she had spent four weeks recovering from surgery and was about to begin a second stage of treatment.

Potential Penalties

If convicted, Woods could face jail time, fines, probation, or mandatory DUI education, depending on how the case proceeds, according to reports.