Golf legend Tiger Woods was found with two loose hydrocodone pills — a prescription opioid — in his left pants pocket after a single-vehicle rollover crash that led to his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence last Friday, according to a probable cause affidavit released Tuesday by Martin County authorities.

The new details, first reported by TMZ Sports and confirmed across multiple outlets, paint a fuller picture of the March 27 incident on a residential road in the affluent Jupiter Island community. Woods, 50, told deputies he was distracted by his cellphone and changing the radio station moments before his luxury Land Rover struck the rear of a work truck and flipped onto its side. No one was seriously injured, but the crash has reignited questions about the 15-time major champion’s ongoing battles with pain management, prescription medications and road safety.

Deputies described Woods as profusely sweating despite cool air in the vehicle, moving in a “lethargic and slow” manner, and showing “severe signs of impairment.” When he removed his sunglasses, officers noted his eyes were “bloodshot and glassy” with “extremely dilated” pupils. A breathalyzer test registered 0.00 for alcohol, but Woods refused a urine test under Florida’s strengthened implied consent law for suspected drug impairment, leading to an additional charge.

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During a search incident to arrest, deputies discovered two white pills marked “M367” in Woods’ pocket. The imprint identified them as hydrocodone, an opioid commonly prescribed for severe or chronic pain. Woods acknowledged taking “a few” prescription medications earlier that morning when asked by investigators. The pills were seized and entered into evidence.

The affidavit adds to the narrative of a golfer whose body has endured years of punishing physical tolls from elite competition and multiple surgeries, including multiple back operations and a 2021 car crash in California that left him with severe leg injuries. Woods has been open in the past about relying on pain medication during recovery periods, but the presence of loose opioids during a driving incident has drawn sharp scrutiny.

Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said at a news conference last week that investigators believed Woods was impaired by “some type of medication or drug” rather than alcohol. Woods was booked on misdemeanor charges of DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. He was released from jail overnight Friday after posting bond and has not yet entered a plea.

The crash occurred around 2 p.m. as Woods reportedly attempted to pass a pressure cleaner truck on a road with a 30 mph speed limit. He crawled out of the overturned vehicle through a window and was seen on his phone near the wreckage. Photos from the scene showed the Land Rover resting on its side with visible damage.

This marks Woods’ second high-profile DUI-related incident. In 2017, he was arrested in Florida after being found asleep at the wheel of his Mercedes. Toxicology reports at the time revealed five substances in his system, including the opioid hydrocodone (Vicodin), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), Xanax, Ambien and THC. Woods later pleaded guilty to reckless driving and completed a program addressing his issues with prescription medications.

Tuesday’s affidavit has prompted fresh discussion about prescription opioid use among athletes managing chronic pain. Hydrocodone is a Schedule II controlled substance with high potential for dependence. Medical experts note that while it can be legitimately prescribed, combining it with other medications or using it while driving can significantly impair judgment, reaction time and coordination.

Woods has been attempting a cautious comeback in 2026 after years of limited competitive play due to injuries. He participated in the TGL Finals earlier in the week, a tech-infused golf league event, and had expressed hope of competing at the Masters Tournament, which begins April 9 in Augusta, Georgia. His representatives have not commented publicly on the latest developments or his plans for the storied event, where he has won five green jackets.

PGA Tour officials and fellow players have offered measured responses, emphasizing support for Woods’ health while noting the seriousness of impaired driving. Some teammates in the TGL expressed concern over what one called “disturbing” recent events.

The incident also revives memories of Woods’ 2021 rollover crash in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, where his SUV veered off a winding road at high speed. He suffered compound fractures in his right leg and underwent extensive rehabilitation. An empty pill bottle was reportedly found in that vehicle, though no charges were filed related to impairment.

Legal analysts say the current case could hinge on field sobriety test performance, the deputy’s observations of impairment, the refused urine test and any eventual toxicology results if pursued. Under Florida law, refusal to submit to testing after a DUI arrest can lead to automatic license suspension and may be used as evidence in court.

Woods owns multiple properties in the Jupiter area, including a waterfront estate, and has deep ties to South Florida’s golf community. He has largely kept a low profile off the course in recent years, focusing on his children, business ventures such as his golf course design firm and the TGL league he co-founded with Rory McIlroy.

Public reaction on social media has been swift and divided. Some fans expressed disappointment and concern for Woods’ well-being, while others highlighted the potential dangers of driving while impaired by any substance. The story dominated sports headlines Tuesday, with the new affidavit details amplifying coverage of the Friday crash.

As of Tuesday afternoon, no court date had been set. Woods remains eligible to travel and compete pending resolution of the charges, though any conviction could carry consequences for his driving privileges and public image.

The golf world will watch closely how Woods navigates this latest chapter. His resilience through physical adversity has been well-documented, but repeated incidents involving driving and medications raise questions about long-term management of his health and lifestyle.

Martin County authorities have not released bodycam or dashcam footage, citing the ongoing investigation. The second driver involved in the crash was not injured and cooperated with investigators.

For a figure who transcended golf to become one of the most recognizable athletes globally, Tuesday’s revelations add another complex layer to a career marked by triumph, scandal, injury and remarkable comebacks. Whether this proves a minor legal hurdle or a more significant turning point remains to be seen as the legal process unfolds.

Woods’ team has historically emphasized privacy around medical matters. In past statements, he has credited surgery, physical therapy and mental focus for his recoveries while acknowledging the cumulative wear on his body from decades at the highest level of professional golf.

As spring arrives and the golf season intensifies toward the Masters, the focus for many will shift from Woods’ past glories to his present challenges — both on and off the course. Supporters hope for transparency, accountability and continued progress in addressing any underlying issues with pain and medication.

The raging war in the oil-rich Middle East has rattled stock markets across the globe, with Dalal Street being no exception. After crashing more than 11% in March, Elara Securities said that historical patterns suggest limited downside for the benchmark index Nifty.

The domestic brokerage cited data from the timeframes of seven major geopolitical conflicts in the past 25 years – Iraq war (2003), the Lebanon war (2006), the Libyan Civil War (2011), Russia–Ukraine (2022), Israel–Hamas war (2023), Iran–Israel conflict (2025), and the ongoing US–Iran escalation. It said that Nifty’s drawdown during the onset of conflicts has usually been capped at approximately 10%. Hence, historical patterns suggest limited downside for the benchmark index now, after the 11% crash in March.

“Importantly, once early signs of normalisation emerge, markets tend to recover swiftly,” Elara said. However, it noted that the key exception to this historical pattern was in calendar years 2011-2014 when Brent sustained above $100 per barrel, leading to a prolonged sideways market without meaningful highs. The eventual decline in oil prices acted as the trigger for a strong Nifty upcycle, it added.

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Nifty’s valuation below the long-term trend signals a potential rebound

Elara assessed the one-year forward P/E relative to its rolling 10-year average and concluded the Nifty is trading 7% below its 10-year average, placing it in a historical “bounce zone”. “Outside of extreme disruptions like COVID-19, this level usually acted as a floor for valuation. Even during the Russia–Ukraine conflict, despite Brent sustaining above USD 100/bbl, Nifty multiples bounced back from 10-year rolling averages,” it said.

“The recent TACO and Iran allowing ‘nonhostile ships’ to transit the Strait of Hormuz, along with crude oil prices dropping below USD 100/bbl, have reduced immediate energy supply risks. With our base case assuming gradual de-escalation, the current valuation provides a favourable entry point, with limited downside. We pick 20 value plays which offer a good risk-reward opportunity with healthy fundamentals in the current scenario of extreme correction,” the brokerage added.

Elara’s top pics

Auto and power remain Elara’s preferred bets, which added that large-cap auto stocks like Maruti Suzuki and Royal Enfield-maker Eicher Motors have corrected sharply since the onset of the US-Iran conflict. While near-term concerns persist around input cost pressures from elevated commodity prices and potential demand moderation in the event of a prolonged conflict triggering an inflation shock for consumers, underlying retail data remains robust and encouraging, it further said.
The domestic brokerage added that Vahan retail registrations so far show strong double-digit growth, and this momentum is expected to receive further tailwinds from the Eighth Pay Commission awards, slated for announcement early next year.Within the power sector, 18 out of the 19 utility stocks under the brokerage’s coverage have outperformed the Nifty 50 in current drawdown, which the firm said underscores the sector’s relative resilience. “The escalating conflict is expected to accelerate India’s electrification cycle, while surging data centre capex is driving incremental power demand. This positive backdrop is further supported by the likely passage of the New Electricity Amendment Bill, which will unlock structural reforms in the sector. Consequently, power generation, transmission, distribution, and data centre-linked plays are emerging not merely as defensive anchors but as clear structural beneficiaries in the medium to long term. NTPC, NLC India, and ACME Solar remain our highest conviction picks within the space,” it added.

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Where is the value currently?

In its report, Elara listed out several stocks emerging with better risk-reward dynamics where fundamentals remain intact, and valuation is either trading below the five-year median, and in some cases even below the Russia–Ukraine crisis lows.

These include HDFC Bank, Maruti Suzuki, Eicher Motors, Infosys, LTI Mindtree, L&T, Godrej Properties, NTPC, NLC India, ACME Solar and Eternal.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)