Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has weighed in after an unusual question emerged following Tiger Woods’ DUI plea deal: can the golf legend still drive a golf cart despite losing his driver’s license for five years?
The answer from DeSantis appears to be a major positive for Woods.
After Woods reached a plea agreement in his Florida driving case, questions were raised over whether the five-year license suspension would prevent the 15-time major champion from driving a golf cart on a golf course.
RON DESANTIS DELIVERS HIS VERDICT
The issue emerged during discussions following Woods’ court hearing when Florida State Attorney Thomas Bakkedahl was asked directly whether Woods could legally drive his own golf cart.
Bakkedahl admitted that he was unsure and said the matter would need to be looked into.
However, DeSantis later offered his view on the situation.
“Tiger should be able to drive a golf cart on the golf course.”
DeSantis’ intervention appears to provide Woods with an important distinction between driving on public roads and operating a golf cart on a golf course.
TIGER WOODS STILL FACES A FIVE-YEAR DRIVING BAN
Woods reached a plea agreement on September 2 following his March rollover crash in Florida.
The golf legend entered a no-contest plea to reduced reckless and careless driving charges, while the more serious DUI charge was dropped as part of the resolution. Woods received two five-year driver’s license suspensions that will run concurrently, along with approximately $1,500 in fines.
The judge also issued a blunt warning to Woods about driving during the suspension.
“If you drive for any reason at all, you would go immediately back to jail.”
That means Woods cannot legally get behind the wheel on public roads during the five-year ban.
THE GOLF CART QUESTION COULD BE HUGE FOR WOODS
DeSantis’ comments could have significant implications for Woods’ future in golf.
The 50-year-old is now eligible to compete on the PGA Tour Champions, where golf carts are permitted. If Woods eventually returns to competitive golf on the senior circuit, the possibility of being able to use a cart could be particularly important.
It creates an extraordinary situation for one of the greatest players in golf history.
Tiger Woods could be banned from driving a car on public roads for the next five years while potentially still being able to drive a golf cart down the fairways.
For now, Woods’ competitive future remains uncertain as he continues his recovery. But Ron DeSantis’ verdict appears to have answered one of the biggest questions surrounding the unusual terms of Woods’ driving ban.