Golf legend Jack Nicklaus says his concerns about Tiger Woods extend beyond the golf course following Woods’ recent legal troubles in Florida.
The 18-time major champion expressed worry about Woods as a person after the golf star was taken into custody last Friday on charges including driving under the influence with property damage and refusing to comply with a lawful test. While Woods cleared a breathalyzer test, he declined to provide a urine sample. Authorities discovered two hydrocodone pills, a powerful opioid pain medication, in his possession.
Speaking to the Palm Beach Post, Nicklaus shared his thoughts about his fellow golfer’s situation.
“Sometimes you get, you know, too far down the line and you just need somebody to help you,” Nicklaus said about Woods.
“I think he probably needs some help. And we all want to help him. We’re all on his side. Obviously I feel bad for Tiger. I like Tiger. I don’t just like him, I like him a lot.
“He’s been taking painkillers for a long time and I don’t know how much pain he’s in because I just don’t know.
“But I don’t think he’d be taking them if he didn’t need them.”
The 86-year-old Nicklaus has captured 18 major championships and secured 73 victories on the PGA Tour during his illustrious career.
Woods, now 50, has claimed 15 major titles and earned 82 Tour wins, matching the all-time record held by Sam Snead. The Hall of Fame golfer’s last tournament victory came at the 2019 Zozo Championship.
Woods has been absent from competitive golf since the 2024 Open Championship. He suffered a torn left Achilles tendon last spring and had lumbar disk replacement surgery in October.
