US News

Tiger had $235, 2 clubs at crash scene: cops

WINDERMERE, Fla. — A police officer who responded to Tiger Woods’ SUV accident outside his Florida home found two iron golf clubs on the ground and $235 in the vehicle.

The Windermere officer said in a report released Monday that Woods was at first unresponsive, lying on the road covered in a blanket and resting his head on a pillow. The officer, whose name was redacted from the report, said the world’s No. 1 golfer tried to stand up before the officer told him to lie down for his safety. The officer used the pillow to immobilize the golfer’s spine.

Woods was bleeding from cut lips but was breathing normally. His wife, Elin, was kneeling over him.

The sport utility vehicle’s engine was still running, the front passenger door was jammed and both rear door windows were broken out. The two golf clubs were next to a golf cart, which also was in the road, the report said.

Woods hit a hydrant and a tree around 2:25 a.m. the Friday after Thanksgiving. His wife told police she used a golf club to smash the back windows of the SUV to help him out. The accident — and Woods’ refusal to answer questions about it — fueled speculation about a possible dispute between the golfer and his wife.

Just days before the crash, a National Enquirer story alleged Woods had been seeing a New York nightclub hostess, Rachel Uchitel, who has denied it. After the crash, Us Weekly reported that a Los Angeles cocktail waitress named Jaimee Grubbs claims she had a 31-month affair with Woods.

Last week, Woods issued a statement saying he had let his family down with unspecified “transgressions” that he regrets with “all of my heart.” He did not elaborate.

The officer’s report was released Monday in response to state public records requests. It showed the cash was in the center console of Woods’ Cadillac Escalade.

Florida Highway Patrol investigators arrived at the scene after Woods had been taken to a hospital, the report said, explaining why they were unable to interview the golfer at the accident site. In the days after the accident, investigators made three attempts to interview Woods, but he refused to meet with them.

The Florida Highway Patrol last week closed its inquiry into the Nov. 27 crash, after fining the golfer $164. Woods was cited for careless driving.