Tiger Woods set to enter rehab after pleading not guilty to drink driving

Tiger Wood on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence at a Florida hearing, but agreed to a lesser charge and will go on probation. Prosecutor say the former world number one will enter a rehabilitation program later this year. 

Woods, 41, did not appear at the brief court hearing in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, held to resolve charges filed against him after police arrested him on May, 29 when he was found asleep in his Mercedes-Benz, apparently under the influence of a prescription painkiller and an anti-insomnia drug.

Palm Beach County Assistant State Attorney Adrienne Ellis said Woods entered the plea overnight. Under the plea deal, prosecutors will drop the drink driving charge against him as no alcohol was found in his system.

Such plea deals are offered to many first-time drink driving offenders in Palm Beach County. The plea deal would allow Woods to take part in a 12-month probation programme that would involve community service, DUI school, a substance abuse evaluation, possible treatment and other conditions.

Tiger Woods in line to do community service over reckless driving charge

He is expected to attend the Palm Beach Gardens courthouse for a hearing on October 25 to plead guilty to a lesser charge of reckless driving. 

Wood, a 14-time major golf champion, and has not won a PGA Tour title since 2013, last month announced that he had completed treatment to deal with his use of prescription medications.