Tiger Woods Spotted Hitting Balls for First Time Since DUI

Tiger Woods has been spotted hitting golf balls in public for the first time since his DUI arrest and subsequent legal resolution earlier this year. Video surfaced of the 15-time major champion working on his swing at Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey on Tuesday, September 20, 2026. This follows his recent no contest plea to charges from a late March crash, a deal that saw him avoid a trial and accept a five-year driving ban.

Woods changed his plea in a Florida courtroom in early September. Prosecutors agreed to drop the case from going to trial. The agreement includes a five-year suspension of his driver's license. According to police reports, the incident occurred when Woods, driving at high speed, clipped a tractor-trailer with his Land Rover. The vehicle rolled onto its side, causing about $5,000 in damage to the truck. Woods was unhurt and told officers he was distracted by his phone and the radio. A Breathalyzer test showed no alcohol, but he refused a urine test. After the arrest, he received court permission to travel to Switzerland for a months-long stay at a rehabilitation facility.

The sight of Woods on the range at the exclusive Nexus Cup amateur event has sparked talk of a potential return. His last professional tournament was the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon, where he missed the cut. Now 50, he has not competed in over two years. When asked about his game recently, Woods stated he could 'hit pretty much anything' in his bag. This practice session marks a significant, if early, step back into the golf world after a period focused entirely on his legal and personal recovery.

The legendary competitor's fire clearly burns in casual settings, too. Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning shared a story from a pro-am at Bay Hill about 15 years ago. Manning was four holes up on Woods when Tiger proposed a $100 bet on the remaining holes. Manning's caddie was a clueless sponsor banker, so he relied on Woods' caddie, Steve Williams, for reads. Once the bet was made, Williams shut down all assistance. 'Boss says y'all got a bet, no more help,' Williams told him. The anecdote shows Woods' relentless will to win, a trait that defined his 82 PGA Tour victories.

Questions naturally arise about his future in the game, including potential eligibility for senior tours. The PGA Tour Champions series, for players 50 and over, could be a path. Woods turned 50 in December 2025. His ability to participate in events like the 2028 PGA Tour Championship Series will depend entirely on his physical condition and competitive desire following this extended hiatus. His current focus appears to be on rebuilding his life and his game from the ground up.

Even as he handles personal turmoil, reflections on his past dominance continue. Conversations with golf figures like centenarian instructor Bob Toski still revolve around Woods' seismic impact on the sport. His historic 15-stroke victory at the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach remains a benchmark for athletic supremacy. That win, part of the 'Tiger Slam,' reshaped golf's financial landscape and global audience. Current players and veterans alike measure the game's evolution against his prime.

• Key Takeaways: Tiger Woods was seen practicing on September 20, his first public golf activity since March. He pled no contest to DUI charges in early September, receiving a five-year driving ban. His last professional start was at the 2024 Open Championship. Anecdotes from peers like Peyton Manning highlight his undiminished competitive intensity.