Tiger Woods seen hitting balls publicly for first time since DUI arrest

Tiger Woods was seen hitting golf balls publicly for the first time since his March 2026 DUI arrest, sparking speculation about a potential competitive comeback. The 15-time major champion practiced his tee shots at Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey on September 15, 2026, during a clinic for the Nexus Cup, an exclusive amateur event he hosts to benefit his TGR Foundation. Video footage of the session showed Woods taking full swings with what appeared to be a mid-iron. When asked about the state of his game, Woods told spectators, "I can hit pretty much anything." The appearance marks a significant public step following months away from the sport and recent legal and health challenges. Woods pleaded no contest on September 2 to willful, wanton and reckless driving and refusing a urine test, stemming from a single-vehicle crash in Florida on March 27. The plea deal resulted in a fine and a five-year suspension of his driver's license. Authorities reported that Woods was driving at high speed when his SUV clipped a truck and rolled over. He was not injured but had to crawl out through the passenger door.