NEWNow you can listen to Fox News articles!
Tiger Woods may not be competing in this year’s Masters Tournament, but he is on the minds of golfers as they prepare for this year’s major.
Woods’ DUI arrest in Florida on March 27 sent shockwaves through the golf community, and despite needing to shut down one of the toughest courses in the golf program, it’s hard not to think about the five-time Masters winner.
Bodycam footage from his arrest, which took place after the rollover accident at Jupiter Island, Florida, saw Woods admit he was “hoping” to play in the Masters. But he released a statement after his arrest, saying he would be leaving golf “for medical treatment.”
CLICK HERE TO WATCH ONE OF THE GAMES ON FOXNEWS.COM
Tiger Woods of the United States looks on during practice ahead of the 2024 Masters tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 9, 2024 in Augusta, Georgia. (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
“I look at it and say, ‘He’s just human like everybody else, and we’ve got issues,'” Jason Day said Monday of Woods’ situation, via ESPN. “It’s sad. What I don’t understand is that it’s selfish of him to drive and put other people in danger.”
Day added that Woods was “my hero growing up.”
“The reason I play golf is because of this tournament with Tiger. It’s hard to see him go through what he’s going through, especially with a microscope.
“Some people want him to fail. Some people obviously want him to succeed. It’s really hard for me to go through that and look at him, and I know he’s getting help now, that’s great. I hope he comes out on the other side and he’s better.”
Patrick Reed, who won a green jacket like Woods, also remembers him at Augusta, as did LIV Golf star Phil Mickelson, who announced he would not play in the tournament due to a family health issue just days after Woods’ arrest.
“Let’s be honest, without Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in events, in golf, when they both leave, I honestly feel like it hurts the game of golf,” Reed said, per ESPN. “But at the same time, we want them to come back and be healthy and ready to go.”
In this photo taken from police body camera video released by the Martin County, Fla., Sheriff’s Office, golfer Tiger Woods performs a field sobriety test on sheriff’s deputies following a car accident in Jupiter Island, Fla., Friday, March 27, 2026. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office/AP)
Bubba Watson viewed Woods’ situation from a human perspective – not as a golfer.
PHIL MICKELSON WITHDRAWS MASTERS, LOOKS AT TIGER WOODS FOR BIG SIGNING
“I didn’t care about Tiger’s golf,” he said, according to ESPN. “I told him from the first day we met [2006 or 2007]somewhere in there, I’m drawn to him as a person. Forget his golf – I don’t care about his golf.”
Woods’ DUI arrest led to charges of driving while intoxicated with property damage and refusing a blood alcohol level (BAL) test after law enforcement said his car collided with another vehicle while driving impaired.
Woods released his statement after entering a plea of not guilty, waived his right to a jury trial and requested a jury trial on Tuesday.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods said in a statement posted on social media.
Tiger Woods of the United States plays a shot on the ninth hole during the second round of the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2024 in Augusta, Georgia. (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM
“I am committed to taking the time necessary to get back to a healthy, strong, and focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and I am asking for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”
The arrest marked Woods’ second DUI arrest in the past decade. In 2017, he was arrested, also on Jupiter Island, after taking prescription drugs and falling asleep behind the wheel of a speeding car at 3am.
