Tiger Woods hurt in car crash, out of hospital

November 27, 2009 Police say he lost control of his SUV in his own driveway, and then hit a fire hydrant and a tree.

It happened at about 2:30 Friday morning and Woods was taken to a hospital in what was first described as serious condition.

"He was admitted, treated, and released today in good condition," Susan Jackson, Health Central Hospital.

The hospital spokesperson commented after police in Windermere, a waterfront community outside Orlando, were called to the home of the world's top golfer.

The town's police chief, Daniel Saylor, says they found Woods lying in the street, with his wife, Elin, over him.

"He was mumbling, but didn't say anything that was coherent. And she didn't say anything, other than they asked her how she got entrance into the vehicle and what happened. And she basically said he hit the fire hydrant," Saylor said.

The chief says Elin heard a crash, came out, and used a golf club to break a rear window in Woods' 2009 Cadillac SUV to get him out.

Woods was reportedly in and out of consciousness, had blood in his mouth and lacerations to his upper and lower lips.

Chief Saylor says his officers treated Woods for 10 minutes before an ambulance arrived.

State police say Woods was alone as he drove from his home, and alcohol was not involved. He was not charged.

The crash is still under investigation, and police say if warranted, he could be charged with traffic violations.

Though he's only 33, Woods has won 82 golf tournaments, including 14 majors.

He has earned about $100 million on the pro tour, and thanks to endorsements, appearance fees and other income, he has become the first billion-dollar athlete.

Woods may be the world's best-known and most popular superstar.

"It just is completely incongruous to Tiger's image that he would be doing this at 2:30 in the morning," said Christine Brennan, USA Today sports columnist.

It's not yet known why Woods was leaving his home in the early morning, or where he was going.

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