The golf community always hoped that Tiger Woods' name would only be associated with superb putts, unprecedented records, or resilient comebacks on the green. However, for the past 15 years, a "boomerang effect" has consistently followed Woods, causing him to appear more often in "legal news" sections than in pure sports reports.

Last week, the 50-year-old American golfer was involved in another traffic accident on Jupiter Island, Florida, My. Woods was speeding, exceeding the 40 km/h limit on a narrow, winding road in the affluent residential area where he lives. The Land Rover lost control, collided with a semi-truck while attempting to pass, and overturned onto the driver's side. He escaped through the passenger window and called the police. Although the alcohol test result was negative, police determined that Woods was driving "under the influence of intoxicating substances" and showed "clear signs of cognitive impairment".

Woods stood next to his overturned car in Florida on 27/3. Photo: AP

Woods' contrasting public image

From golf enthusiasts to those unfamiliar with clubs and balls, Woods' influence is immense, not just in My but worldwide. He is the only golfer whose fame transcends the narrow boundaries of the sport, revolutionizing golf in an unprecedented way in sports history.

Woods has achieved 82 PGA Tour titles, 15 major championships, and held the world number one ranking for 683 weeks—more than 13 years—including 281 consecutive weeks from 6/2005 to 10/2010.

As the son of a black man and an Asian woman, Woods broke racial barriers in a sport long dominated by white conservatism. People even coined a term for him: "Cablinasian"—a combination of Caucasian, Black, American Indian, and Asian. Perhaps his desire for dominance and uniqueness stems from this mixed heritage.

Tiger Woods in the first round of the US Open on 13/7/2024 at Pinehurst. Photo: AP

Woods' father, a former Green Beret, introduced his son to golf when he was only a few months old, placing him in a stroller to observe swings. As a child, Woods had no friends his age because he often spent time with his father's golf and drinking buddies—all former military personnel.

From his father, Woods inherited an intense, almost extreme work ethic. At his peak, he trained 60-80 hours each week, often 10-14 hours per day, six days a week. This rigorous schedule included numerous supplementary training sessions and hours on the practice range starting at 6 a.m. Even now, at 50, Woods still possesses broad shoulders, a muscular back, and bulging biceps. He remains obsessed with maintaining his physique, having even trained with Navy Seals commandos.

Woods' world ranking over the past 20 years.

However, Woods has led an unhealthy personal life. His broken marriage to Swedish model Elin Nordegren, who once chased Woods out the door with a golf club, was due to his numerous affairs.

With Nordegren, Woods has two children: his son Charlie is following in his footsteps, while his daughter Sam prefers track and field.

As a father, Woods has not faced criticism. The rest, however, is complex. A list of 14 mistresses emerged, ranging from prominent figures to individuals from nightclubs and the adult film industry, encompassing both long-term and fleeting relationships. Woods publicly apologized for his sex addiction in front of his mother, marking the beginning of a decline that permanently damaged his public image.

After Woods' mugshot was released on 27/3, many felt a sense of "deja vu". It reflected irresponsible behavior and a lack of consideration for others. This was the fourth traffic incident to shake his private life, as if the combination of Woods and cars always portended misfortune.

In 2009, after his ex-wife Nordegren discovered his infidelity and chased him, Woods drove his Cadillac into a fire hydrant near Orlando before crashing into a tree.

In 2017, Woods was found disoriented and unconscious behind the wheel late at night on a main road in Palm Beach Gardens. His Mercedes veered off the road and sustained damage. He was arrested for the first time, avoiding a felony conviction by pleading guilty to reckless driving and paying a USD 250 fine.

Police camera video showed Woods with glazed eyes, deep circles under his eyes like "sand traps", a swollen face, and an inability to walk in a straight line. That was also the first time he publicly acknowledged his dependence on painkillers to cope with back pain, particularly after a herniated disc surgery in 2014.

Woods' mugshot on 27/3. Photo: Martin County Sheriff's Office

In 2021, Woods nearly lost his life. The Genesis SUV he was driving crossed two oncoming lanes, rolled multiple times down an embankment, and struck a tree on the outskirts of Los Angeles while traveling at twice the speed limit. He was rescued from the wreckage with a shattered right leg, prompting doctors to seriously consider amputation.

Data extracted from the black box showed no brake marks and the accelerator pedal pressed to 99% until the last second, ruling out the possibility of falling asleep or being distracted by his phone. That detail suggested it was not an accident but a deliberate choice, though no one ever mentioned "suicide".

Woods' entire career has been a series of injuries and surgeries, which have truly brought down a giant. At 50, even walking is a challenge for Woods. In 10/2025, he underwent his seventh back surgery, in addition to numerous knee operations before that. A year ago, his right Achilles tendon was also ruptured, a direct consequence of the 2021 accident. Woods' life cannot continue normally without daily painkillers.

A 2017 toxicology report found five substances in Woods' system: Ambien, Vicodin, Dilaudid, Xanax, and THC (cannabis). They formed a "cocktail" of sleeping pills, painkillers, and addictive substances. His refusal to be tested on 27/3 seemed like an implicit admission that he has not yet turned a new page in his battle with painkiller addiction. US Today commented that Woods needs help and should "go to rehabilitation until he overcomes his dependence".

Woods' surgery history.

Woods has not competed in an official tournament since the British Open 2024, but the Masters 2026 will begin in Georgia, My, in just a few days. He is still on the registration list as a five-time former champion (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, and 2019), though participation now seems like a far-fetched dream, a desperate attempt by someone unwilling to accept reality.

Even if no one believes Woods can play at Augusta, everyone is certain he will be present at the "Champions' Dinner", where legends who have worn the Green Jacket gather.

On 17/3, Woods reappeared in public, looking relaxed and spontaneous at the TGL finals—an indoor simulated golf league he co-founded with Rory McIlroy, which is successful in My. He delivered powerful exhibition swings without wincing in pain, rekindling hopes of participating in the first major of the year.

"This body doesn't recover like it did when I was 24, 25 years old", Woods shared with regret. "But that doesn't mean I'm not trying. I've been working hard. Serious injuries force me to take a long time to overcome. I still want to compete. I love this tournament and have been involved with it since I was 19 years old. No matter what, I will be there".

But then, Woods once again veered "off the course" of life. The price will be far higher than a "penalty stroke". "I feel bad for him. Woods is a close friend, a phenomenal person, a great man, but he's going through a difficult period", US President Donald Trump reacted to the latest accident involving the golfer born in 1975. Their connection is not just friendship, as Woods' current girlfriend, Vanessa Trump, is the former wife of the President's eldest son.

Woods performing exhibition shots at the TGL indoor simulated golf league on 17/3. Photo: AP

Earlier this week, The Loop at the Patch, a 9-hole public golf course recently acquired by Augusta National and co-designed by Woods, will be inaugurated. Some dreamed of seeing him there, amidst the crowd.

But now, what will Woods do? Will he attend that dinner? What will Woods say to his teammates, to Jack Nicklaus or Rory McIlroy? Will he have the courage to look them in the eye and read the questions he probably hasn't answered himself: Who are you really, Woods? And how much more will you self-destruct?

Many reports indicate that Woods has become calmer and warmer in recent years as he struggles with his ailing body and tries to write the final chapter of his illustrious playing career. Giving up the peak is difficult for any elite athlete, let alone someone with such immense ambition and numerous titles.

If, as an athlete, Woods drove straight to Mount Olympus, then as a person, he seems to be pressing the accelerator to the floor on a highway leading to the abyss.

Compiled by Hoang Thong