Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Tiger Woods

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Tiger Woods.

Tiger Woods is an American professional golfer, considered one of the greatest of all time. He is tied for first in PGA Tour wins, second in men's major championships, and holds numerous golf records. Woods is an inductee of the World Golf Hall of Fame and is one of the most famous athletes in modern history.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1997: Civil Case Initiated

In 1997, Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer initiated a civil case against Bruce Matthews to stop the unauthorized sale of their images and signatures in the memorabilia market.

2003: Phil Mickelson's "Inferior Equipment" Joke

In 2003, Phil Mickelson joked about Tiger Woods's use of "inferior equipment", which upset Nike, Titleist, and Woods.

November 2009: Woods's Car Crash and Affair Allegations

In November 2009, Tiger Woods faced allegations of an extramarital affair and crashed his Cadillac Escalade near his Florida home, leading to widespread media speculation.

December 2009: Hiatus from Golf

In December 2009, Tiger Woods took a self-imposed hiatus from professional golf to address marital issues.

December 2009: Sponsorship Deals Reassessed

In December 2009, following the scandal, several companies reassessed their sponsorships with Tiger Woods, with some ending or suspending their endorsement deals.

2009: Comeback and Marital Infidelity

In 2009, Tiger Woods made a highly anticipated return to golf, performing well, including at the 2009 Presidents Cup. He did not win a major, which was the first time since 2004 that he failed to do so. At the end of 2009, following media coverage of marital infidelities, he announced an indefinite break from competitive golf.

2009: Factors Attributed to Project Problems

In 2009, several factors were attributed to the problems encountered by golf course projects, including overly optimistic estimates, global economic declines, and the decreased marketability of Woods following his infidelity scandal.

February 2010: Golf Digest Suspends Woods's Column

Beginning with the February 2010 issue, Golf Digest suspended Tiger Woods's monthly column.

February 2010: Televised Apology

In February 2010, Tiger Woods delivered a televised apology for his behavior, stating, "I was wrong and I was foolish." During this period, several companies ended their endorsement deals with Woods.

February 19, 2010: Woods Delivers Televised Statement

On February 19, 2010, Tiger Woods delivered a televised statement in which he apologized for his actions and discussed his 45-day therapy program.

August 2011: TAG Heuer Ends Partnership

In August 2011, TAG Heuer ended its partnership with Tiger Woods when his contract expired.

March 12, 2014: Jury Verdict in Memorabilia Case

On March 12, 2014, a Florida jury found in favor of Gotta Have It on its breach of contract and other related claims, rejected ETW's counterclaims, and awarded Gotta Have It $668,346 in damages.

May 29, 2017: Woods Arrested for DUI

On May 29, 2017, Tiger Woods was arrested near his home on Jupiter Island, Florida, for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

2023: Herman's Lawsuit Dropped

In early 2023 Erica Herman filed a lawsuit seeking compensation, she later dropped the suit after a Florida judge ruled in Woods's favor.

March 2026: TGL Tournament and Health Issues

In March 2026, Tiger Woods competed in the TGL tournament as a member of the Jupiter Links team, which lost the championship match to the Los Angeles Golf Club. Following an arrest the same month, it was confirmed that Woods had physical mobility limitations and was using hydrocodone for pain management. He is also reportedly stepping away from his golf career to focus on his health.

March 27, 2026: Woods Involved in Rollover Crash, Arrested for DUI

On March 27, 2026, Tiger Woods was involved in a two-vehicle rollover crash near his home on Jupiter Island, Florida, and was arrested for DUI after failing field-sobriety tests, later testing positive for hydrocodone.

April 2, 2026: Body Camera Footage Released

On April 2, 2026, body camera footage was released showing Tiger Woods stating, "I was talking to the president" during his arrest.

April 2026: Driving Under the Influence Charge

In 2026, Tiger Woods was involved in another car crash and was charged with driving under the influence and causing property damage. As of April 2026, his net worth was estimated at US$1.5 billion by Forbes.