Golf legend Tiger Woods is set to join a diversion program for intoxicated drivers after being arrested for driving under the influence in May, according to court documents.
The program is aimed at reducing both the number of repeat offenders as well as the backlog of court cases, the Associated Press reported.
Police stopped Woods around 3 a.m. near his home in Jupiter, FL. on May 29. It was soon learned that the golfer did not have alcohol on his breath but was reacting to medications he had taken.
The 41-year-old has been battling back injuries for years and underwent his fourth back surgery in April after blaming back spasms for an early exit at the Dubai Desert Classic in February.
Woods will pay a $250 fine and some court costs and will spend a year on probation as part of the diversion program. He will attend a DUI school, perform 20 hours of community service, and attend a workshop to hear the stories of victims of drunk drivers. He will also be required to undergo regular drug testing, the AP noted.
The four-time Masters Tournament winner will have to appear before a judge to show he has started the program, but if he is arrested for impaired driving again during the period he may be treated as a repeat offender and consequences will be far more severe and may include jail time.
Finally, the program also requires the installation of an ignition lock and tester on a participant’s car that prevents the vehicle from operating if it finds the driver impaired.
Woods’ spokesman has issued no statement on the news.
UPDATE: Tiger Woods’ hearing has been postponed.
Follow Warner Todd Huston on Twitter @warnerthuston.
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