Florida Governor clarifies whether Tiger Woods can drive a golf cart
Golfer Tiger Woods listens to US President Donald J. Trump deliver remarks during a reception honoring Black History Month in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 20, 2025. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY WAX20250220869 SHAWNxTHEW
Golfer Tiger Woods listens to US President Donald J. Trump deliver remarks during a reception honoring Black History Month in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 20, 2025. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY WAX20250220869 SHAWNxTHEW
15-time major winner Tiger Woods lost his driving license for the next five years, but can he drive a golf cart on the fairways? Florida State Attorney Thomas Bakkedahl failed to answer. That's when Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stepped in.
On Wednesday, Woods reached a plea agreement in his Florida DUI case. As a result, the 50-year-old was handed a five-year suspension of his driver's licence but can get behind the wheel of a golf cart.
"Tiger should be able to drive a golf cart on the golf course," DeSantis posted on X.
February 16, 2025, La Jolla, California, USA: Tournament host TIGER WOODS looks on during trophy ceremony of the 2025 Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, California. La Jolla USA - ZUMAt158 20250216_zsp_t158_052 Copyright: xBrentonxTsex
February 16, 2025, La Jolla, California, USA: Tournament host TIGER WOODS looks on during trophy ceremony of the 2025 Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, California. La Jolla USA - ZUMAt158 20250216_zsp_t158_052 Copyright: xBrentonxTsex
DeSantis's clarification on X brought an end to the widespread confusion.
Back in March, Woods was gearing up for his return to the competitive scene. He was all set to tee off at Augusta. That’s when the former world No. 1 met with a car accident on 27th March.
The confusion arose when Florida State Attorney Thomas Bakkedahl gave an ambiguous answer to a reporter's question.
"You know what, you got me. We'll have to look into that, I'll get back to you,” Bakkedahl said. “I know you cannot drive a golf cart while impaired on the roads because it is a vehicle, but I don't... my gut reaction is going to be no."
However, DeSantis provided some relief to Woods with his response. The 50-year-old is now eligible to feature on the PGA Tour Champions.
Back problems have marred Woods' career, but the senior circuit allows the use of golf carts.
As a result, DeSantis' response leaves Woods in no trouble to make his return on PGA Tour Champions.
Interestingly, Woods has already spoken about that possibility.
Back issues open door to senior tour
Over the years, the back problems have gotten to Tiger Woods. Playing with the help of a golf cart seems highly likely now.
“And now I entered a new decade,” Woods said at this year’s Genesis Invitational, reported by Golf Channel on X. “So that number is starting to sink in and has us thinking about the opportunity to be able to play in a cart.”
Last year, the 15-time major winner underwent lumbar disc replacement surgery. The multiple back surgeries over the years have left him incapable of walking around golf courses.
However, now Woods can get behind the wheel of a golf cart, which leaves the possibility of returning to the senior circuit open.
Written by
Avishek Sarkar