Tiger Woods pleads guilty to reckless driving, gets five-year license ban, Vanessa Trump present in court

Vanessa Trump accompanied Tiger Woods as the court heard his DUI case, which he did not contest, and he got 5 years' driving ban.

Girlfriend Vanessa Trump, the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr, was present at the court Wednesday as Tiger Woods pleaded guilty to reckless driving and refusal to a lawful test in a deal in which the prosecutors agreed to drop DUI charges against him. At the court, he only spoke to confirm that he had read the deal. Apart from losing the license for five years, Tiger Woods was fined $1,000. He was also warned that he could go to jail if he drove on his suspended license. Tiger Woods changed his plea today as he previously pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence.

Was Tiger Woods driving under the influence?

On March 27, 2026, around 2:00 PM, Tiger Woods was driving his Land Rover on a beachside residential road on Jupiter Island, Florida (near his home in Hobe Sound). Woods was traveling at a high rate of speed in a 30-mph zone when he attempted to pass a pressure-cleaning pickup truck that was slowing down to make a turn. His vehicle clipped the truck's trailer, veered off, and rolled onto its driver’s side. Neither Woods nor the driver of the truck suffered major physical injuries. Woods was able to crawl out of the vehicle through the passenger-side window. Woods told responding deputies that he was looking down at his phone and changing the radio station when the crash occurred.

Arrest and sobriety tests At the scene, deputies reported that Woods showed clear signs of impairment, noting dilated pupils, bloodshot eyes, heavy sweating, and lethargic behavior. Breathalyzer: A breath test at the scene registered a 0.00 BAC, confirming no alcohol was involved. Urine test refusal: Woods refused to submit to a urine test for drug screening. Prescription drugs: Deputies reported finding two hydrocodone (Vicodin) pills in his pocket. Woods admitted to taking prescription medication earlier that day, including painkillers and medications for high blood pressure and cholesterol. Charges: He was arrested and booked into the Martin County jail on charges of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. He was released on bail later that evening. Shortly after his release, Woods announced he was taking an indefinite leave from golf to focus on his health and recovery. Court records indicate he traveled abroad to complete an inpatient treatment facility program for pain management and medication dependency. Due to the incident, Woods withdrew from playing in the 2026 Masters Tournament.

Who is Vanessa Trump?

Vanessa Trump, President Donald Trump’s daughter-in-law, was married to Donald Trump Jr. from 2005 to 2018. The former couple shares five children, including 18-year-old golfer and influencer Kai Trump. In May, Vanessa Trump revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and was working closely with her medical team on a treatment plan. Vanessa Trump and Tiger Woods have ben dating since 2024.