FLORIDA, July 2, 2026 — The legal proceedings involving golf legend Tiger Woods have taken another significant turn after a Florida court authorized prosecutors to obtain his hospital records as part of the ongoing investigation into the single-vehicle crash that led to his arrest earlier this year.
Judge Darren Steele approved the prosecution’s request to subpoena medical records from Cleveland Clinic Martin South Hospital, where Woods was taken following his rollover accident on March 27. Prosecutors are seeking information related to any statements Woods may have made regarding alcohol or prescription drug use, the results of any toxicology or drug screening conducted during his treatment, and records identifying the medical personnel involved in his care.
The latest ruling follows an earlier court decision that granted investigators access to Woods’ prescription medication records. Authorities say the additional medical information may assist in determining the circumstances surrounding the crash and the charges currently before the court.
According to court documents, Woods was transported to the hospital for medical evaluation after the accident before being released and taken to the Martin County Jail. He was subsequently charged with driving under the influence involving property damage, refusing to submit to a DUI test and careless driving.
Investigators reported that Woods denied consuming alcohol before the crash but acknowledged taking prescription medications earlier that day. When questioned by officers, he stated that he was taking medication for high blood pressure and cholesterol, along with ibuprofen and Vicodin. Deputies also noted that Woods appeared to be sweating heavily and, during roadside sobriety testing, observed glassy, bloodshot eyes and unusually dilated pupils.
Following the field sobriety exercises, investigators concluded that Woods’ ability to safely operate a motor vehicle appeared to be impaired. Officers also reported recovering two hydrocodone pills from his pocket following his arrest.
Despite the impairment allegations, breathalyzer tests administered at the Martin County Jail recorded blood-alcohol readings of 0.00, indicating that alcohol was not detected in his system. The investigation is therefore focused on whether prescription medications may have contributed to his condition at the time of the crash.
Court filings also indicate that prosecutors and Woods’ legal representatives have agreed to a protective order limiting access to the confidential medical records to the prosecution, designated law enforcement officials, expert witnesses and the defence team.
A status hearing in the case has been scheduled for August 4, when the court is expected to review the progress of the investigation and determine the next steps in the legal proceedings.
Following his arrest, Woods received court approval to travel overseas for comprehensive inpatient treatment. He has since returned to Florida and recently made a public appearance during a PGA Tour event announcing future changes to the tour schedule. However, there is still no confirmed timeline for his return to competitive golf, and he is not expected to compete in this month’s Open Championship. If he remains absent, it will mark nearly two years since his last appearance on the PGA Tour.
Source: Adapted from reports by Andy Roberts.