Tiger Woods makes surprising public appearance just days after driving ban in DUI verdict

Sian JonesSun, September 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM UTC

1

Tiger Woods made his first public appearance since being banned from driving -Credit:Saul Martinez/Getty Images

Tiger Woods has made a surprising public appearance just days after being handed a driving ban following his DUI verdict.

The golf legend attended his former university for Friday night’s American football clash between Stanford and Miami. Woods, 50, was pictured inside Stanford Stadium as the Cardinal faced the Miami Hurricanes, marking his first major public appearance since Wednesday’s hearing in Stuart.

The 15-time major champion was photographed alongside rapper and entrepreneur E-40, a founding member of Bay Area group The Click. There was little for Woods to celebrate on the field, however, as Stanford suffered a heavy 45-6 defeat to Miami.

• Vanessa Trump hits Tiger Woods with deal-breaker in foul-mouthed ultimatum

• Caitlin Clark gives perfect response after being snubbed as Team USA starter

His appearance came at a fitting venue given his long-standing connection to Stanford. Woods enrolled at the university in 1994 on a golf scholarship and spent two years studying economics while competing for the Cardinal.

During his time at Stanford, Woods won 11 tournaments, earned First-Team All-American honours twice and claimed the 1996 NCAA individual championship. He turned professional later that year, going on to establish himself as one of the greatest golfers in the history of the sport.

His appearance came just two days after he was in court, where prosecutors and his defence team reached a last-minute agreement to resolve his criminal case.

Earlier this year, Woods was driving recklessly on a residential road on Jupiter Island, Florida, where the speed limit was 30mph, when his Land Rover clipped a truck and sent it onto its side. He escaped through the passenger door and walked away uninjured.

Advertisement

The 50-year-old initially pleaded not guilty to DUI and refusing to submit to a lawful test, but later changed his plea to guilty to reckless driving and careless driving. He has since traveled to Switzerland for rehab and is currently taking an indefinite break from golf.

The legendary golfer was accompanied by attorney Douglas Duncan and girlfriend Vanessa Trump. He was fined $1,000 for the first charge and $500 for the second, with both charges carrying concurrent five-year driving bans.

Judge Darren Steele accepted Woods' plea agreement and warned Woods, "If you drive for any reason at all, you will be going back to jail," which could make it difficult for him to play in any PGA Tour Champions events.

However, the plea deal could further complicate Woods’ potential comeback on the PGA Tour if he is unable to drive a golf cart.

• Caitlin Clark makes her feelings clear on playing against 7-foot-4 'woman of that size'

• Tiger Woods hit with Vanessa Trump relationship threat as DUI consequences laid bare

The tour’s handbook states players must drive to their tee shots on par 4s and par 5s, while either the player or caddie can drive thereafter. On par 3s, either can drive.

Senior Majors could pose a bigger issue, with carts not permitted without an exemption, meaning Woods would have to walk if he competes.

The handbook encourages players to walk whenever possible, but that could prove difficult for the 50-year-old given his extensive injury history and numerous surgeries on his lower extremities.

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”