Another crash, another bleary-eyed mugshot - what now for Woods?
The incident led to the publication of a first dishevelled mugshot, a savage contrast to thousands of glorious pictures that had celebrated his status as an all-conquering champion. And those were the images that returned with his improbable fifth Masters victory in 2019, fused back and all, achieved at the age of 43. Again Woods had shown himself to be a genuinely extraordinary sporting hero.
Within two years, though, his fortunes plummeted once more. Woods' high-speed single vehicle crash near Los Angeles nearly cost the former world number one his right leg. Californian police were criticised for not testing for impairment.
Many observers found it surprising that officers felt there was no evidence to suggest they needed to carry out such tests. It was a horrific crash. Woods' leg needed surgical rebuilding and there were plenty who doubted his golfing future.
But, remarkably, he hobbled his way back. Too often, though, the pain was evident to the watching galleries. Then followed the ruptured Achilles 13 months ago and two further back surgeries.
Woods was pictured in a car leaving Martin County Jail late on Friday We have not seen him play competitive golf outdoors since the Open Championship of July 2024, his only action a nine-shot cameo in this week's TGL indoor simulator finals. Of late, Woods' primary influence has been off the course, chairing the PGA Tour's Future Competitions Committee. It is a relatively recent appointment, but for the best part of five years he has been at the forefront of shaping the tour's response to the arrival of the breakaway LIV Golf circuit.