Tiger Woods a topic of discussion among golfers at the Masters after DUI arrest

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Tiger Woods is not participating in the 90th Masters at Augusta National Golf Club this week, but players in the tournament expressed their support for the 15-time major champion after he reportedly entered treatment following his DUI arrest in Florida on March 27.

“I view it as, ‘He’s just a human being like everyone else and we all face challenges,'” Jason Day remarked on Monday. “It’s unfortunate. The only aspect I find difficult to comprehend is that it seems somewhat selfish of him to drive and endanger others as well.”

Woods, 50, pleaded not guilty to charges of misdemeanor DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. He was also charged with distracted driving, a moving violation, after he informed police that he was looking at his phone when his SUV struck a trailer being towed by a truck near his residence in Hobe Sound, Florida.

“When you’re the player he was and how determined he is, he believes he can accomplish almost anything, which is likely why he was driving while somewhat under the influence,” Day stated.

Woods’ jet arrived in Switzerland on Friday, prompting speculation that he might be entering a treatment facility there. A judge had approved a motion two days prior allowing Woods to travel outside the United States to enter a comprehensive inpatient treatment program.

“It highlights the human aspect and the personal side of someone grappling with some form of addiction,” Day noted. “He isn’t exempt from it simply because he excels at golf. He has undergone 25 to 30 surgeries, and enduring that many procedures is painful during recovery.”

Woods, a five-time Masters champion, informed a sheriff’s deputy after the March 27 incident that he had undergone seven back surgeries and more than 20 surgeries on his right leg, mentioning that his ankle seizes up while he walks.

After Woods was placed in handcuffs, another officer discovered two white pills in his pants pocket. Woods identified the pills as a “Narco,” referring to a painkiller that contains acetaminophen and the opioid hydrocodone. Authorities later confirmed that Woods was in possession of hydrocodone.

“He’s my hero,” Day expressed. “He was my hero while growing up. The reason I play golf is because of this tournament [the Masters] and Tiger. It’s challenging to witness him endure what he’s going through, especially under public scrutiny. It must be difficult to be in his position and feel judged by others.”

“Some individuals want him to fail. Others clearly wish for his success. It’s really tough for me to observe that and support him, and I know he is receiving help now, which is positive. I just hope he emerges from this situation stronger.”

Three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson is also absent from the field this year. He announced last week that he would be out for an extended period as his family continues to “navigate a personal health matter.”

This marks the first time since 1994 that neither Mickelson nor Woods are participating in the Masters.

“Let’s be honest, without Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in the events, in golf, when they both step away, I genuinely feel it impacts the game of golf,” stated 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed. “However, we want them to return healthy and ready to compete.”

Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson witnessed Woods’ last Masters victory in 2019. Watson mentioned that he encouraged other former champions to go to the 18th green to congratulate him.

“I could care less about Tiger’s golf,” Watson said. “I told him from the very beginning when we started spending time together back in [2006 or 2007], that I support him as a person. Forget his golf – I could care less about his golf.”

“Anyone facing struggles, I empathize with him because I’ve dealt with a lot of mental challenges. So yes, I always root for him. … Nothing but support for him, and I hope he can return stronger.”

Jacob Bridgeman qualified for his first Masters by winning the Genesis Invitational, which Woods hosted at Riviera Country Club near Los Angeles.

“I believe everyone has a lot of compassion for Tiger,” Bridgeman said. “He has been the figure in our sport that has changed everything the most. He has elevated these tournaments and increased the purses simply through his popularity. Everyone enjoyed watching him.”

“I grew up admiring Tiger. He was my golf idol. I think everyone is thinking of him and hoping he can do what is best for himself.”