Miami (AFP) - Former world No. 1 Tiger Woods was charged with driving under the influence by police in Florida on Monday, dealing a fresh blow to the golf superstar as he struggles to resurrect his career.

The 14-time Major champion blamed his arrest on a reaction to a mixture of prescription medication he has been taking, insisting in an apology to fans that alcohol was not involved in the incident.

Woods, 41, was arrested by police near his home in Jupiter, Florida before his release later on Monday after being charged with driving under the influence (DUI).

A police mugshot of Woods looking bleary-eyed and unshaven rapidly went viral, underscoring the protracted fall from grace which has befallen the superstar athlete once renowned as a corporate, clean-living pitchman.

"I understand the severity of what I did and I take full responsibility for my actions," Woods said in a statement quoted by US media outlets, which stressed that "alcohol was not involved".

"What happened was an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications. I didn't realise the mix of medications had affected me so strongly," Woods said.

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

Entertainment news website TMZ.com had earlier cited law enforcement sources as saying that Woods was stopped after being spotted "driving erratically, all over the road".

The website said the golfer refused to blow into a breathalyser.

The arrest is the latest unsavoury episode to hit Woods, who once towered over his sport before being engulfed by turmoil in his private life and a series of debilitating injuries.

Woods hasn't played competitive golf since pulling out of the Dubai Desert Classic in February after one round because of back pain.

He had spinal fusion surgery on April 20 - his fourth surgery in three years to treat his troublesome back which has limited him to three tournament starts worldwide in the past two years.