Two-time PGA Tour winner Steven Bowditch was arrested by Phoenix-area police on early Friday morning, charged with what's dubbed "extreme" driving under the influence (DUI).
According to FOX 10 in Phoenix, a motorist noticed as white pickup truck was swerving all over the road. When police found the pickup, they saw Bowditch was asleep inside after they had observed the pickup truck was motionless through two green cycles. Officers woke the 33-year-old up and then arrested him.
NEW: #PGA player Steven Bowditch arrested early this morning for extreme dui by Scottsdale PD. Made his tee time but will miss cut. #WMPO pic.twitter.com/1HtZPs6JI9
— FOX 10 Phoenix (@FOX10Phoenix) February 3, 2017
Arizona has some of the toughest drunk-driving laws in the country. In the state, a DUI arrest falls under "extreme" classification if the driver has a blood-alcohol level of anywhere from 0.15 to 0.20 percent or greater within two hours of driving. Another classification, "super extreme" DUI, is for blood-alcohol content above 0.20 percent. "Extreme" DUI can come with a 30-day minimum jail sentence and a $2,500 fine.
Bowditch was released on bond on Friday morning and made his tee time for the second round of the 2017 Waste Management Phoenix Open. After an opening 3-over 74, Bowditch again shot 74 on Friday at TPC Scottsdale and missed the 36-hole cut.
Bowditch released the following statement Friday night: “I would like to apologize to my family, friends and supporters, as well as the PGA TOUR and Waste Management Phoenix Open for the incident reported today. As I intend to fully cooperate with the authorities, I will not be making further comment at this stage.”
Bowditch has struggled the last two seasons, missing 15 of 26 cuts last season and six of seven int he 2016-17 campaign. However, he has earned a social media following for his candor about his game and form.
The Australian has spoken openly about his battles with depression and binge drinking in response, telling ESPN in 2011 about his demons that included a failed suicide attempt.
