“I understand the severity of what I did and I take full responsibility for my actions,” Woods’ statement said.

“I want the public to know that alcohol was not involved. What happened was an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications. I didn’t realize the mix of medications had affected me so strongly.

“I would like to apologize with all my heart to my family, friends and the fans. I expect more from myself too.

“I will do everything in my power to ensure this never happens again.

I fully cooperated with law enforcement, and I would like to personally thank the representatives of the Jupiter Police Department and the Palm Beach County Sherriff’s office for the professionalism.”

Fourteen-time major champion Tiger Woods was arrested on a DUI charge overnight in Jupiter, Florida, near where Woods has a home on Jupiter Island.

Woods was arrested at 3:00am local time and his arrest was recorded just after 7:00am, with the charge listed by police as Driving Under the Influence (DUI). At the current time there is no further details regarding the arrest other than Woods was released later in the morning on his “own recognizance” meaning no bond or bail has been paid. There has been no comment from Woods or his management at the time of writing.

The 41-year-old is currently recovering from yet another back surgery and had displayed a positive outlook on his rehabilitation in a recent blog released just last week on his website.

“It has been just over a month since I underwent fusion surgery on my back, and it is hard to express how much better I feel,” Woods said in the statement. “It was instant nerve relief. I haven’t felt this good in years.

“As for returning to competitive golf, the long-term prognosis is positive. My surgeon and physiotherapist say the operation was successful. It’s just a matter of not screwing up and letting it fuse,” Woods said. “I’m walking and doing my exercises, and taking my kids to and from school. All I can do is take it day by day. There’s no hurry.

“But, I want to say unequivocally, I want to play professional golf again.”

Woods lives an extremely private life, particularly since his 2009 scandal and subsequent break-up of his marriage, and this latest indiscretion will surely dishearten his legion of fans, who still hope to see Tiger return to the PGA Tour.

Although lucky there was no one injured, the embarrassing incident has been made worse for the former World No.1 by the release of his mugshot, showing a tired, unshaven and slightly dishevelled looking Woods, who has often commented in the past on his inability to sleep.