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Tiger Woods may not be playing in this year’s Masters, but he is on golfers’ minds as they prepare for this year’s major.
Woods’ arrest for drunken driving in Florida on March 27 sent shockwaves through the golf community, and despite having to lock in on one of the toughest courses on the golf program, it’s hard not to think about the five-time Masters winner.
Bodycam footage of his arrest, which took place after an accident at Jupiter Island, Florida, saw Woods admit he was “hoping” to play at the Masters. But he released a statement after his arrest, saying he would step away from golf to “get treatment.”
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Tiger Woods of the United States attends a practice session 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 him and I’m like, ‘He’s just a human being like everyone else, and we’re struggling,'” Jason Day said Monday of Woods’ situation, according to ESPN. “It’s unfortunate. The only thing I don’t understand is that it’s a little selfish of him to drive and put others in danger.”
Day added that Woods was “my hero growing up.”
“The reason I play golf is because of this tournament and Tiger. It’s hard to watch him go through what he’s going through, and especially under the microscope.
“Some people want him to fail. Some people obviously want him to succeed. It’s really hard for me to go through this and watch him, and I know he’s getting help now, which is good. I just hope he comes out the other side and is better.”
Patrick Reed, a green jacket winner like Woods, is also missing at Augusta, as is fellow 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 walk away, honestly I feel like it hurts golf,” Reed said, according to ESPN. “But at the same time, we want them to come back, healthy and ready to go.”
In this image taken from police body camera video released by the Martin County, Fla., Sheriff’s Office, golfer Tiger Woods performs a field sobriety test for sheriff’s deputies following a car crash in Jupiter Island, Fla., Friday, March 27, 2026. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office/AP)
Bubba Watson viewed Woods’ situation from a human perspective – not that of another golfer.
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“I don’t care about Tiger’s golf,” he said, according to ESPN. “I told him from day one that we started hanging out [2006 or 2007]somewhere in there that I pull for him as a human being. Forget his golf – I don’t really care. “
Woods’ arrest for drunken driving resulted in charges of driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a breathalyzer test after law enforcement said his vehicle collided with another while he was driving impaired.
Woods released his statement after pleading not guilty, waiving his right to an indictment and demanding a jury trial Tuesday.
“I know and understand the gravity 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)
“I am committed to taking the time necessary to return to a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and I ask for privacy for my family, loved ones, and myself at this time.”
The arrest marked Woods’ second drunk driving arrest in the past decade. In 2017, he was taken into custody, also on Jupiter Island, after taking prescription drugs and falling asleep behind the wheel of a moving car at 3 a.m.
