Tiger Woods’ ongoing car crash case has reportedly taken a significant new turn, with the golf legend expected to appear in court for a change of plea hearing.
According to reports, Woods, 50, is scheduled to appear in person before a judge in Merlin County on Wednesday morning, with the hearing expected to begin at 8am.
The development comes after Woods previously entered not guilty pleas through his attorney following his arrest in March.
Tiger Woods reportedly set to change plea
Court records reportedly show that Woods will now attend a hearing specifically related to a possible change of plea.
However, it remains unclear exactly what plea Woods intends to enter.
The 15-time major champion had originally been due to appear in court in Florida on September 8, but the newly scheduled hearing has added another twist to the high-profile case.
Woods was arrested on March 29 after his Land Rover rolled during a crash near his home in Jupiter.
Authorities said Woods was attempting to overtake a pickup truck towing a trailer when the incident occurred.
What happened in the crash?
According to the reported police account, Woods attempted to pass the vehicle on South Beach Road while the truck was slowing down to turn into a driveway.
His SUV reportedly clipped the rear of the trailer, causing the Land Rover to roll onto its driver’s side before sliding along the road.
Fortunately, neither Woods nor the other driver was injured.
However, deputies at the scene said Woods displayed signs of impairment and he was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Woods later faced charges including driving under the influence, property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
Breath test showed no alcohol
One of the most notable details in the case is that Woods reportedly passed a breathalyzer test, with no alcohol detected.
However, authorities said he refused to provide a urine sample.
An arrest affidavit reportedly stated that Woods appeared lethargic and had bloodshot, glassy eyes and dilated pupils.
Two pills reportedly identified as hydrocodone were also found in his pocket, while Woods told officers that he had taken prescription medication.
The case later led prosecutors to seek access to Woods’ prescription and medical records, including information relating to medications, dosages and warnings about driving.
Woods’ legal team initially objected on privacy grounds, but a judge reportedly allowed prosecutors to obtain the prescription records under a protective order preventing them from being made public.
Body camera footage added to controversy
Police body camera footage released following the crash reportedly captured several conversations between Woods and officers.
At one point, Woods was heard saying he had been on the phone to the president.
In another moment, he reportedly told officers:
“I looked down at my phone, and all of a sudden, boom.”
Woods also denied consuming alcohol and acknowledged taking prescription medication earlier in the day.
Officers ultimately concluded that they suspected his normal faculties had been impaired by an unknown substance.
Woods later sought treatment
Following the incident, Woods addressed the situation publicly and announced that he would be stepping away to focus on his health and recovery.
The golf icon later entered treatment and reportedly completed a 90-day programme at a clinic in Switzerland.
He made his first major public appearance following the crash in June at the Travelers Championship but did not answer questions regarding the case.
Now, attention will turn to Wednesday’s court hearing.
With Woods reportedly preparing to change his plea, the outcome of the hearing could represent one of the most important developments yet in the legal case involving one of golf’s most recognisable figures.
