Tiger Woods is set to appear in court next month for the first time since his DUI arrest following a March rollover crash in Florida. The 50-year-old golf legend is scheduled to appear before a Martin County judge at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8, according to court records.
The upcoming hearing marks the latest development in a case that has kept Woods largely out of the public eye for much of the year. The 15-time major champion has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has spent part of the time since his arrest receiving treatment outside the United States.
Now, with his first in-person court appearance approaching, attention is turning back to the circumstances surrounding the crash, the evidence gathered by investigators and the questions prosecutors have raised about Woods’ prescription drug history.
Tiger Woods’ First In-Person Court Appearance
Tiger Woods Set to Appear in Court for First Time Since His DUI Arrest https://t.co/bq75W2xeom
— People (@people) August 26, 2026
Woods is expected to appear before Judge Darren Steele in Martin County, Florida, on Sept. 8. It will be his first time appearing in person before a judge since his DUI arrest in March.
The golfer previously waived his arraignment and entered a not-guilty plea through his attorney, Douglas Duncan. His defense team has also requested a jury trial as the case moves forward.
Woods faces two misdemeanor charges: DUI causing property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. The charges stem from the March 27 crash on South Beach Road near his Jupiter Island home.
The September hearing is not a determination of guilt. Woods remains entitled to the presumption of innocence while the case proceeds through the Florida court system.
What Led to the DUI Arrest?
🚨 BREAKING: Tiger Woods involved in rollover crash on Jupiter Island, Florida pic.twitter.com/lXednK8AEK
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) March 27, 2026
The DUI arrest came after Woods’ Land Rover rolled onto its side during a crash involving a pickup truck towing a pressure-cleaning trailer.
According to the arrest affidavit, Woods attempted to pass the truck after it slowed down and crossed double solid lines before his SUV struck the trailer and overturned. Woods reportedly told deputies that he had looked down at his phone and did not realize the truck had slowed.
The responding deputies said they observed several signs they believed indicated impairment. Their report described bloodshot and glassy eyes, dilated pupils, sweating and lethargic movements. They also said Woods struggled with portions of a field sobriety test.
Woods’ physical limitations were also noted during the investigation. He reportedly told deputies about his extensive history of back and leg surgeries, which his defense could potentially argue affected his ability to perform certain sobriety exercises.
No Alcohol Detected in Breath Tests
Florida authorities released body cam video of golf legend Tiger Woods after his rollover crash last week. pic.twitter.com/64osKe3Qq1
— TaraBull (@TaraBull) April 2, 2026
One of the more notable aspects of the case is that alcohol does not appear to be the central issue.
According to investigators, two breath tests administered at the Martin County Jail registered 0.000 for alcohol. Woods had also told deputies that he had not consumed alcohol before the crash.
However, authorities say Woods refused to provide a urine sample after being informed of Florida’s implied-consent requirements. Deputies also reported finding two hydrocodone pills in his pocket.
That combination has made Woods’ prescription medication history an important part of the prosecution’s case. Prosecutors have sought medical and pharmacy records as they investigate whether medication could have contributed to the alleged impairment.
Prosecutors Gain Access to Medical Records
The fight over Woods’ medical information has become one of the most closely watched elements of the case.
His defense initially objected to prosecutors obtaining prescription records, citing privacy concerns. However, Judge Darren Steele later approved an agreement allowing prosecutors to receive Woods’ prescription drug records under a protective order.
Prosecutors have also pursued medical records connected to Woods’ treatment following the crash. The information could become significant as both sides prepare their arguments about what happened on the road that day.
The focus on prescription medication is particularly relevant because Woods’ breath tests showed no alcohol. Prosecutors will therefore have to build their case around the evidence they believe demonstrates impairment.
Woods Received Treatment After the Arrest
Tiger Woods was injured Tuesday in a single-car crash near Los Angeles, according to LA County Sheriffs.
Emergency personnel extricated Woods from the vehicle using the “jaws of life.” He was taken to a local hospital for his injuries, and his condition is unknown at this time. pic.twitter.com/u3EQcUnldq
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 23, 2021
Following the DUI arrest, Woods received permission to leave the state and spent several weeks in treatment outside the United States.
Reports have indicated that he received treatment in Switzerland after his physician recommended care abroad. The move came as Woods stepped away from golf and public life to focus on his health.
His treatment has added another dimension to the story, particularly because Woods has dealt with significant physical challenges throughout his career. The golfer suffered severe leg injuries in a 2021 car crash that required extensive surgery and kept him away from competitive golf for an extended period.
A Rare Public Appearance Ahead of Court
“More people need to know what you’ve done and how you’ve served … you’re trying to raise the bar to allow people to go ahead and achieve a lot more in life.”
Tiger Woods sends a heartfelt message to Notah Begay during the Payne Stewart Award ceremony.
Golf Channel |… pic.twitter.com/vWieI5f1DW
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) August 25, 2026
Woods has made relatively few public appearances since the crash, making his recent video message to longtime friend Notah Begay III particularly notable. In the message, Woods celebrated Begay’s work and their decades-long friendship as Begay received the Payne Stewart Award.
The appearance offered fans a rare glimpse of Woods before his September court date. While the video was focused on Begay rather than the legal case, it also served as one of the golfer’s more visible public moments since the DUI arrest.
What Happens Next for Tiger Woods?
The Sept. 8 court appearance could provide a clearer indication of how the case will proceed, although it is unlikely to resolve every outstanding issue.
For now, Tiger Woods remains focused on defending himself against the charges while prosecutors continue examining the evidence connected to the March crash. His legal team will have to address questions surrounding the alleged impairment, the refused urine test and the prescription medications cited by investigators.
The upcoming court date also brings renewed attention to a difficult period for one of golf’s biggest stars. Woods has faced major setbacks before and repeatedly returned to the sport, but his current legal battle represents a very different kind of challenge.
As the case moves forward, the Sept. 8 hearing will be closely watched for any new developments surrounding Woods, his defense and the prosecution’s evidence. For the golf icon, it will mark his first time standing before a judge in person since the DUI arrest that changed the course of his year.
Featured image: Sun Day Red
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