Tiger Woods topic of conversation at Masters without being there
Tiger Woods was a big part of the conversation on Monday at the Masters without even being at Augusta National. His absence stemming from his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence brought a degree of criticism from Jason Day.
Florida authorities determined Woods was impaired March 27 when his Land Rover struck a trailer and flipped on its side on a residential street.
They found two painkiller pills in his pocket. Woods was arrested and briefly jailed for refusing to submit to a urine test.
“He’s just a human being like everyone else and we have struggles,” Day said. “It’s unfortunate. 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,” Day said. “And that’s probably why he’s driving and a little bit under the influence.”
This is the second straight year Woods has missed the Masters, under entirely different circumstances. He had ruptured his Achilles tendon in March of 2025 and didn’t even make it to the Masters Club dinner for champions.
Woods entered a plea of not guilty last week, and then sought — and was granted — a motion to seek treatment outside the country.
“He was my hero — he’s my hero,” said Day, the Australian who reached No 1 in the world a decade ago.
“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.
It must be hard to be who he is and have everything, everyone looks on, kind of down on him. “Some people want him to fail. Some people obviously want him to succeed,” Day said. “
“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.”
