5 Scandals That Nearly Ended Tiger Wood's Career
Tiger Woods was arrested in Florida on suspicion of driving under the influence May 29, 2017. Photo courtesy of Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Public domain.
For years, Tiger Woods was untouchable. The wins. The wealth. The clean-cut image. With a swing that shattered records and charisma that lit up screens, he wasn't just dominating golf — he was redefining it.
But behind the trophies and televised smiles was a life spiraling into chaos. From sex addiction to a DUI mugshot and viral mishaps, Tiger's personal scandals nearly torched his legacy.
Here are five jaw-dropping moments that made headlines — and changed Tiger Woods forever.
1. The Thanksgiving Crash That Started It All
November 27, 2009. A Cadillac Escalade. A fire hydrant. And a smashed-out rear window.
The world was stunned when Tiger Woods crashed his SUV just outside his Florida mansion. But it wasn't just the accident — it was why it happened. Reports quickly emerged that his wife, Elin Nordegren, had allegedly used a golf club to shatter the window — supposedly after learning of his affair with nightclub hostess Rachel Uchitel.
That incident cracked open the image of perfection. Tabloids ran wild. Tiger issued a vague apology, according to CNN Sports, for his "transgressions," and suddenly, the man who built his brand on control had lost it all in one night.
2. A Web of Affairs — and a $100 Million Divorce
What began as a single rumor exploded into dozens of accusations. Women across the country came forward, claiming to have had romantic encounters with the world's top golfer.
The damage was swift — and public. Endorsements evaporated. The press descended. And in 2010, Tiger stood before cameras and admitted: "I was unfaithful, had affairs, and cheated. What I did was unacceptable," as reported by KhelNow.com.
His marriage to Elin ended in a divorce allegedly worth $100 million. Tiger entered a Mississippi clinic for sex addiction treatment.
The scandal cost him his family, his clean image — and for a time, his game.
3. The 2017 DUI Mugshot That Broke the Internet
In May 2017, Tiger was found slumped behind the wheel of his car on the side of a Florida road. When police arrived, they arrested him for driving under the influence — and the resulting mugshot went viral.
A toxicology report revealed a cocktail of five substances: hydrocodone, hydromorphone, Xanax, Ambien, and THC. Tiger claimed he'd mixed medications to treat his chronic back pain, according to the New York Post.
He later pled guilty to reckless driving and entered a first-offender program.
The visual — a groggy, unshaven Woods looking nothing like the champion the world once knew — cemented just how far he had fallen.
4. The Tampon Prank That Sparked Outrage
Fast-forward to 2023. Tiger was back on the green and — seemingly — back in his groove. But after outdriving fellow golfer Justin Thomas during a tournament, he handed Thomas a tampon.
Yes, a tampon.
The gesture, caught on camera, was meant as a joke. But it quickly sparked backlash. Critics called it immature, sexist, and tone-deaf. Woods reportedly apologized publicly, acknowledging the reaction.
Even after years of rehab and reinvention, this moment proved Tiger is never far from controversy — even when he's trying to be funny.
5. The P.E.D. Rumors That Wouldn't Die
In 2010, Tiger was linked to Dr. Anthony Galea, a Canadian physician under federal investigation for supplying athletes with banned substances. Though Tiger repeatedly denied ever taking performance-enhancing drugs — "He never gave me H.G.H. or any P.E.D.s. I have never used illicit substances in my life," he said — the rumors stuck, as reported by KhelNow.com.
No formal charges were brought against him. But at a time when he was already trying to repair his reputation, the timing of the controversy added fuel to the fire.
For fans, it cast yet another shadow over a legend already struggling to reclaim his image.
What Tiger Wants Now
Despite the scandal-riddled chapters of his past, Tiger Woods is still swinging — on and off the course. But insiders say he's increasingly concerned about his legacy.
"He's survived a sex scandal, an accident, an arrest, and a lot of personal turmoil," one source told the New York Post. "But he's not in his 20s or 30s anymore. He's knocking on 50. So he's got to leave a mark that will last forever."
These days, he's focused on mentoring his 15-year-old son, Charlie. "Just the fact that we were able to have this experience together, Charlie and I, it's memories for a lifetime," Woods told reporters after playing in the 2020 PNC Championship, according to New York Post.
Whether Tiger is remembered for his comebacks or his controversies remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: his story is unlike any other in sports history.
References: Top five most controversial moments in Tiger Woods' career | Tiger Woods worried he'll only be remembered for his off-course antics: sources | Tiger Woods: A tumultuous 10 years from scandal to redemption
