Tiger Woods left court Wednesday with a five-year driving suspension, but the unusual consequences of that punishment quickly produced a question few defendants ever have to answer and that is whether the conviction can also stop him from driving a golf cart?
That became a legitimate point of discussion because Woods is 50, eligible for the PGA Tour Champions and has increasingly relied on carts while managing the physical effects of his previous injuries.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has now weighed in, and his view is straightforward.
“Tiger should be able to drive a golf cart on the golf course,” DeSantis wrote on X.
The comment came after Florida State Attorney Thomas Bakkedahl was asked about the issue following Woods’ court hearing in Stuart. “Can Tiger legally drive his own golf cart?” a reporter asked.
“Oh my god, that’s a question…” Bakkedahl replied. “You know what, you got me. We’ll have to look into that, I’ll get back to you.
“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.”
Why the golf-cart question matters for Woods
The issue is more than a legal quirk. Woods became eligible for the PGA Tour Champions after turning 50, and players on the senior circuit are permitted to use golf carts during competition.
Given the serious injuries he suffered in his 2021 car crash, that could become important if he eventually decides to play on the over-50 circuit.
Woods has also used carts in events such as the PNC Championship while competing alongside his son, Charlie.
That means he could face an unusual reality over the next five years as he’s unable to legally drive on public roads, but still permitted to get behind the wheel of a golf cart during professional golf.
Driving ban follows plea agreement
The question emerged after Woods agreed not to contest a reckless driving charge tied to his March 27 crash. His vehicle clipped a truck and rolled over, although no one was injured. Body-camera footage later showed Woods explaining what happened.
“I looked down at my phone, and all of a sudden, boom,” he told officers.
Woods passed a breathalyzer test and said he had not consumed alcohol that day. When asked about prescription medication, he said: “I take a few.”
Authorities later reported finding hydrocodone in his pocket, while officers said they suspected his “normal faculties” were impaired by an unknown substance. After the incident, Woods announced he would seek treatment.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” he said. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health.”
His competitive future remains uncertain. But if Woods does return, particularly on the PGA Tour Champions, his lack of a driving license may not prevent one familiar sight.
According to Florida’s governor, he should still be able to drive a cart down the fairway.
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