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Tiger Woods may not be competing in this year’s Masters Tournament, but he is on golfers’ minds as they prepare for this year’s Major.
Woods’ arrest for driving under the influence in Florida on March 27 sent shockwaves through the golf community, and despite having to focus on one of the toughest courses on the golf calendar, it’s hard not to think about the five-time Masters winner.
In body camera footage of his arrest, which occurred after a rollover accident on Jupiter Island, Florida, Woods admitted that he “hoped” to play in the Masters. But he issued a statement after his arrest, saying he would quit golf to “seek treatment.”
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Tiger Woods of the United States watches during a practice round prior to 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 say, ‘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 other people in danger too.”
Day added that Woods was “my hero growing up.”
“The reason I play golf is because of this tournament and because of 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 that and watch him, and I know he’s getting help now, which is good. I just hope he pulls through and gets better.”
Patrick Reed, a green jacket winner like Woods, will also miss him at Augusta, as will fellow LIV Golf star Phil Mickelson, who announced he will 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 at events, in golf, when they both walk away, I honestly feel like it hurts the game of golf,” Reed said, according to ESPN. “But at the same time, we want them to come back, be healthy and ready to play.”
In this image taken from police body camera video released by the Martin County, Florida Sheriff’s Office, golfer Tiger Woods performs a field sobriety test for sheriff’s deputies following a single-vehicle accident on Jupiter Island, Florida, on Friday, March 27, 2026. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office/AP)
Bubba Watson saw Woods’ situation from a human perspective, not that of a fellow golfer.
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“I couldn’t care less about Tiger’s golf,” he said, according to ESPN. “I told him from the first day we started dating [2006 or 2007]somewhere in there, that I’m rooting for him as a human being. Forget about your golf; I don’t give a damn about his golf.”
Woods’ arrest for DUI resulted in charges of driving under the influence with property damage and refusing to submit to a blood alcohol level (BAL) test after police said his vehicle collided with another while driving drunk.
Woods issued his statement after pleading not guilty, waiving his right to an arraignment and demanding 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)
“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.”
This arrest marked Woods’ second DUI arrest in the last decade. In 2017, he was arrested, also on Jupiter Island, after taking prescription medication and falling asleep behind the wheel of a moving car at 3 a.m.
