Top 5 controversies of Tiger Woods: A look at the golf legend's major scandals

Tiger Woods, hailed as one of the greatest golfers ever, has experienced multiple controversies throughout his career, spanning from personal scandals to legal battles, heavily influencing public perception.
These incidents include a 2009 infidelity scandal that led to his divorce, a 2017 DUI arrest, a 2021 severe car accident, a 2023 legal battle with ex-girlfriend Erica Herman, and long-standing PEDs allegations.
1. In November 2009, Woods' personal life fell apart after a car accident outside his Florida home exposed numerous extramarital affairs. This scandal, amplified by tabloid reports, resulted in his divorce from Elin Nordegren and caused him to lose several endorsement deals. In response, Woods temporarily withdrew from golf, attended rehab, and offered a public apology.
2. In May 2017, Woods was arrested for driving under the influence in Florida, making headlines once more. He was found asleep in his car and was later found to have a mix of prescription drugs, including painkillers, in his system. Woods clarified that the incident was due to an adverse reaction to medication taken after multiple back surgeries. He subsequently entered a rehabilitation program to manage his issues with pain management.
3. In February 2021, Woods was involved in a severe single-car accident in Los Angeles, leaving him with serious leg injuries and raising questions about his future in golf. Woods' SUV veered off the road, rolled multiple times, and came to a stop, requiring emergency responders to extract him from the wreckage. He suffered multiple fractures in his right leg, necessitating extensive surgery with the insertion of rods, screws, and pins. This accident, happening while Woods was recovering from back surgeries, provoked significant health concerns.
4. In 2023, Woods faced legal issues involving his former girlfriend, Erica Herman, who filed a lawsuit to void a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) she had signed at the start of their relationship. Herman invoked the Speak Out Act, intended to nullify NDAs in cases of sexual harassment or abuse. The legal dispute thrust Woods' personal life back into public focus, though no specific allegations were made public.
"I was never a victim of sexual harassment or sexual abuse," Herman later stated as she dismissed her court case.
5. Over the years, Woods has been linked to performance-enhancing drug (PED) allegations, particularly through his association with Canadian doctor Anthony Galea, who was investigated for supplying PEDs. Despite Woods' consistent denials of using banned substances and a clean slate in drug tests, his connection to Galea in 2010 raised suspicions. However, the investigation ultimately cleared Woods of any wrongdoing.
Despite these controversies, Tiger Woods' legacy as a dominant figure in golf remains largely intact, though his off-the-course troubles have undoubtedly shaped public opinion over the years.