Tiger Woods hurt in car crash, released from hospital

Tiger Woods, the world's best golfer and a leading force in sports marketing, was hurt in a car accident in Florida on Friday but was released from a hospital in good condition after treatment.

Woods, 33, who made a triumphant return to professional golf this year after missing much of last season following reconstructive knee surgery, was in a "minor" car crash, his office said.

The Orlando Sentinel newspaper had earlier reported that Woods was hospitalized in serious condition after his Cadillac Escalade hit a fire hydrant and a tree when he pulled out of the driveway at his home in Isleworth, Florida, near Orlando.

"He was admitted, treated and released today in good condition," Woods' office said in a statement.

Woods is perhaps the world's richest athlete and the biggest draw on the PGA tour as he chases Jack Nicklaus' record for victories in major tournaments and the unofficial title of best golfer ever. He has won 71 times on the PGA tour, including 14 majors, in his glittering career.

He returned to action in February this year after being sidelined for eight months due to the knee surgery, and finished on top of the FedEx Cup standings for the season.

The Sentinel said the accident happened at about 2:25 am as Woods pulled his car out of his driveway. The newspaper said the airbags in the vehicle did not deploy.

The FHP said the crash was under investigation and charges are pending, the newspaper reported.

"Basically it was facial lacerations, and as I'm understanding it, nothing that serious," Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn told CNN. "He was taken to Health Central hospital, where he was treated, and then I've been told he was released."

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