AUGUSTA, Ga. — Though Tiger Woods isn’t competing at Augusta National this week, the legendary golfer remains at the forefront of fellow competitors’ thoughts as they prepare for the Masters tournament.
The 50-year-old golf icon has entered a treatment facility outside the United States after a March 27 car crash in Florida that resulted in DUI charges. Woods subsequently announced he would skip this year’s Masters and withdrew from consideration as the 2027 U.S. Ryder Cup captain while taking an indefinite break from professional golf.
Reports indicate Woods’ aircraft arrived in Switzerland last week, following his lawyer’s statement to a Martin County judge that the golf superstar required an “intensive, highly individualized and medically integrated program” away from public attention and media coverage.
Following Monday’s practice round, Jason Day reflected on Woods’ situation, saying: “It just shows the human element and the human side of someone that is struggling with some sort of an addiction. He’s not immune to it just because he can hit a golf ball really well. He’s had 25 to 30 something surgeries, and when you’re going through that many procedures, it’s painful coming out of those procedures. I’ve had procedures done and I typically try and stay away from all that stuff because I just know that — painkillers, there can potentially be a downfall to it.”
Day continued: “Granted, when I look at that, I look at it and go, he’s just a human being like everyone else and we have struggles. It’s unfortunate.”
The five-time Masters winner entered a not guilty plea to misdemeanor DUI charges after his vehicle collided with a trailer near his Jupiter, Florida residence. Woods’ SUV overturned during the incident, and he received an additional citation for distracted driving. Law enforcement discovered two white pills identified as hydrocodone in his clothing.
While expressing empathy, Day also noted concerns about the incident: “The only thing that I don’t understand is that it’s a little bit selfish of him to drive and put other people in harm’s way, as well. But when you’re the player that he was and how strong-willed he is, he thinks he can do almost anything, and that’s probably why he’s probably driving and a little bit under the influence.”
Just three days before the accident, Woods had discussed his preparation efforts for this week’s Masters during the TGL championship. His unexpected absence has deeply affected competitors who either played alongside him or idolized the 15-time major winner during their formative years.
“He was my hero — he is my hero,” Day explained. “He was my hero growing up. The reason why I play golf is because of this tournament and Tiger. It’s hard to see him go through what he’s going through, and especially under the microscope that — it must be hard to be who he is and have everything, everyone look on, kind of down on him. Some people want him to fail. Some people obviously want him to succeed. It’s really difficult for me to go through that and watch him, and I know that he’s getting the help now, which is good. I’m just hoping he comes out on the other side and is better.”
Tuesday evening’s champions dinner will proceed without Woods, as 2018 Masters winner Patrick Reed noted. Phil Mickelson will also be absent due to personal medical issues.
“Let’s be honest, without Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in the events, in golf, when they both step away, honestly I feel it hurts the game of golf,” Reed observed. “But at the same time, we want them to come back and be healthy and ready to go.”
This marks the first time in 32 years that both Mickelson and Woods have missed the Masters simultaneously. Woods’ last absence from golf’s first major occurred in 2021 during his recovery from severe injuries sustained in a California vehicle accident. During the recent Florida incident, Woods informed officers he had undergone more than 20 surgeries on his right leg, along with seven back operations and treatment for a torn Achilles tendon.
PGA Tour veteran Harris English described Woods’ absence as “very strange” this week at Augusta National.
“He’s such a legend in this game, somebody I looked up to,” English said. “Watching him win around this place in (19)97 is kind of the reason I started getting into golf. I know he’s going to get through this. He has a big fight ahead of him. He’s a fighter. That’s what he does. He’s going to get through it and come out a better man and a better person. We hope to see him soon.”
Jacob Bridgeman, who joined the professional ranks in 2022, lacks the extensive playing experience alongside Woods that veterans like Day, Reed and English possess. However, he represents another generation whose passion for golf developed largely through watching Woods compete.
“I think everybody has a very soft heart for Tiger. He’s been the guy for our game that’s changed everything the most,” Bridgeman explained. “He’s made these tournaments what they are, and he’s made the purses what they are just by his popularity. Everybody loved watching him. I grew up watching Tiger. He was my golf idol. I think everybody is thinking about him and hoping he can do what’s best.”
Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson witnessed Woods’ most recent Augusta National victory in 2019. He recalled rushing with other former champions to the 18th green to congratulate Woods, but emphasized that he “could care less about Tiger’s golf.”
“Anybody that’s struggling with anything, I feel for him because I’ve went through a lot of mental stuff. So yeah, I always pull for him. Nothing but love for him, and hopefully he can come back stronger,” Watson said.
