TIGER Woods has been banned from driving for five years but avoided jail after striking a plea deal in his DUI case on Wednesday.
The golf legend pleaded no contest to lesser charges after his dramatic March rollover crash, bringing the high-profile case to an end.
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Woods, 50, was handed fines and had his driver’s license suspended for five years during the hearing at the Martin County Courthouse in Stuart, Florida.
The 15-time major champion will remain out of the driver’s seat for years but will not spend time behind bars.
Woods had originally pleaded not guilty and requested a jury trial after being charged with DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
His attorney, Douglas Duncan, filed notice on Tuesday calling for a “change of plea” hearing, court records show.
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Woods was supported in court by girlfriend Vanessa Trump, who arrived at the courthouse with him ahead of the hearing.
The case stems from Woods’ March 27 crash on South Beach Road near his Jupiter Island home.
Authorities said he was driving his Range Rover when he tried to pass a pickup truck towing a trailer on the narrow road.
His SUV struck the trailer before leaving the roadway and rolling onto its side.
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Woods, who was alone inside, managed to climb out through the passenger side and was not injured.
Deputies said he appeared lethargic and slow after the crash and was “sweating profusely.”
His eyes were described in a probable cause affidavit as bloodshot and glassy, while his pupils were “extremely dilated.”
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Two pills found in his pocket were later identified as hydrocodone, a prescription painkiller.
Woods told investigators he had taken several medications earlier that day, including medication for high blood pressure and cholesterol, ibuprofen and Vicodin.
He also told deputies he had been looking down at his phone to change the radio station and failed to realize the truck ahead was slowing.
A breath test later showed no alcohol in his system.
But authorities said Woods refused to provide a urine sample for drug testing.
He was charged with DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
The golfer initially entered a written not-guilty plea days after his arrest.
His case had been moving toward a jury trial before Duncan filed the change-of-plea notice on Tuesday.
The case has also centered on Woods’ prescription drug use, with prosecutors seeking medical and pharmacy records from before the crash.
A judge previously allowed Woods to travel outside the US for treatment in a controlled environment.
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