Tiger Woods’ five-year driver’s license suspension has created an unusual question for one of golf’s biggest stars. The 15-time major champion cannot drive a car during the suspension following his no-contest plea in Florida. But golf carts are treated differently, and that distinction quickly became part of the story.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis weighed in after State Attorney Thomas Bakkedahl initially said he needed to look into whether Woods could drive a golf cart. DeSantis said Woods should be able to drive one on a golf course. Officials later clarified that Woods can operate a golf cart on a golf course under applicable Florida rules. The clarification could matter if Woods returns to competitive golf.
DeSantis addresses the unusual question
The golf-cart question surfaced after Woods appeared in court on Wednesday and received a five-year suspension of his driver’s license. During a press conference, Florida 19th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Thomas Bakkedahl was asked whether the suspension also covered golf carts.
Bakkedahl initially said he needed to look into it, creating an unexpected wrinkle in a case that had already drawn enormous attention. DeSantis then weighed in publicly, saying Woods should be able to drive a golf cart on a golf course.
Woods’ golf-cart status came into focus because of the larger legal development. On Sept. 2, he entered a no-contest plea to reckless driving and a charge related to refusing to submit to a lawful test after his March rollover crash.
The original DUI charge was dropped as part of the agreement. Woods received concurrent five-year license suspensions and was ordered to pay $1,500 in fines. A no-contest plea is not an admission of guilt. Judge Darren Steele also warned Woods that he could face jail time if he drove during the suspension.
Why the distinction matters for golf
For Woods, the golf-cart question intersects directly with his profession because carts are permitted in some golf events and can be important for players dealing with mobility limitations.
Woods has not competed in an official PGA Tour event since the 2024 Open Championship. He did return to competitive golf in March 2026 for the TGL Finals Series, but he has not established a regular return to PGA Tour competition.
If Woods eventually competes again, the distinction could remove one potential logistical obstacle. His license suspension prevents him from legally driving a car, while Florida officials have clarified that he can operate a golf cart on a golf course.
The issue became especially visible after Woods’ Sept. 2 court hearing over the March rollover crash near his Jupiter Island home. Florida law separately defines golf carts and sets rules for their operation, meaning permission to use a cart on a golf course does not restore Woods’ general driving privileges.
Woods’ physical history adds context
Woods’ history of serious injuries and surgeries has affected how he moves around a golf course. He has undergone multiple back procedures and suffered severe injuries to his right leg and ankle in his 2021 car crash. He has also competed in events where golf carts are permitted.
Those physical challenges have made mobility an important consideration during the later stages of his career. At the 2023 PNC Championship, for example, carts were available to players, although Woods also walked portions of the event.
Woods’ five-year driver’s license suspension does not prevent him from driving a golf cart on a golf course in Florida, provided he follows the applicable rules. That does not mean he can use a golf cart as a substitute for a car on public roads.
Golf-cart rules can vary by location and operating conditions, so Woods would still need to follow course policies and applicable local restrictions.
Golf cart regulations can depend on location and operating conditions, so Woods’ ability to use one in a particular setting should not be confused with a restoration of his driving privileges. He would still need to follow any course-specific policies and local restrictions governing golf cart use.
What this means for Woods now
For Woods, the immediate reality is still a five-year driving suspension following the resolution of his Florida case. He avoided jail time through the plea agreement, but the court imposed significant restrictions and fines.
The golf cart clarification simply defines one narrow area that remains open to him. It may matter whether he spends time on Florida courses, but it does not change the legal consequences of the March crash or resolve the larger questions surrounding his future as a player.
For now, the clearest takeaway is that Woods has been unable to drive a car for five years, while Florida officials say that a golf cart on a golf course remains permissible. That unusual distinction has become one of the most discussed details of his latest legal chapter.
Fun fact: Woods won the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach by 15 strokes. That remains the largest winning margin in U.S. Open history.
TL;DR
- Tiger Woods received a five-year driver’s license suspension after a no-contest plea in Florida.
- The original DUI charge was reduced as part of the agreement, with Woods also paying $1,500 in fines.
- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Woods should be able to drive a golf cart on a golf course.
- Florida officials later clarified that the suspension does not prevent Woods from operating a golf cart on a course under applicable rules.
- The cart clarification does not restore Woods’ ability to drive a car or signal a confirmed return to competitive golf.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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