Tiger Woods’ prescription drug records are to be handed over to prosecutors after a judge’s ruling in Florida, following his arrest in March on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI).
Judge Darren Steele approved an agreement between Woods’ defense attorney and prosecutors during a brief four-minute hearing in Martin County circuit court, just north of Palm Beach County.
Prosecutors had issued a subpoena requesting all prescription medication records for the legendary golfer from a Palm Beach pharmacy, covering the period from the start of the year through to the end of March.
Defense attorney Doug Duncan had previously argued for Woods’ constitutional right to privacy regarding his medications, but conceded during the hearing that this right is not absolute and prosecutors could present a compelling case for their necessity.
In return, prosecutors agreed to Mr Duncan’s request for a protective order, which will limit the release of these sensitive records exclusively to prosecutors, law enforcement officers, state experts, and Woods’ defense team.
Woods has pleaded not guilty to the driving under the influence charge. A sheriff’s office report indicated that deputies found two pain pills in his pocket, and he displayed signs of impairment after his SUV collided with a truck’s trailer and overturned.
According to an incident report, Woods was traveling at excessive speeds on a beachside, residential road on Jupiter Island, which has a 30 mph (approximately 50 kph) limit, when his Land Rover caused $5,000 in damage to the truck.
Authorities stated that Woods agreed to a Breathalyzer test, which showed no alcohol, but he refused a urine test.
Woods subsequently missed last month’s Masters at Augusta National, as Rory McIlroy defended his title.
He is also due to miss the PGA Championship, which gets underway at Aronimink on Thursday, with Scottie Scheffler aiming to defend his crown.
