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Tiger Woods may not be playing in this year’s Masters tournament, but he’s on golfers’ minds as they prepare for the major this year.
Woods’ DUI arrest in Florida on March 27 sent shockwaves through the golf community, and despite having to lock up on one of the toughest courses on the golf circuit, it’s hard not to think about the five-time Masters winner.
Bodycam footage from his arrest, which took place after a crash in Jupiter Island, Florida, saw Woods admit he was “hoping to” play in the Masters. But he released a statement after his arrest saying he would step away from golf to “seek treatment.”
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Tiger Woods of the United States looks on during a practice round 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 it and say, ‘He’s just a human being and we have struggles,'” Jason Day said Monday of Woods’ situation, according to ESPN. “It’s a shame. The only thing I don’t understand is that it’s a little bit selfish of him to drive and also put other people 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 see 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 see him and I know he’s getting the help now, which is good. I just hope he comes out on the other side and feels better.”
Patrick Reed, a green jacket winner like Woods, also misses him at Augusta, as does 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 in the events, in golf, when they both step away, I honestly feel like it hurts the game of golf,” Reed told ESPN. “But at the same time, we want them to come back and be healthy and ready to go.”
In this photo 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 after a car accident in Jupiter Island, Florida, Friday, March 27, 2026. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office/AP)
Bubba Watson viewed Woods’ situation from a human perspective – not as a fellow golfer.
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“I couldn’t care less about Tiger’s golf,” he told ESPN. “I told him from day one that we started hanging out again [2006 or 2007]somewhere in there that I pull for him as a human being. Forget his golf – I couldn’t care less about his golf.”
Woods’ DUI arrest resulted in charges of driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a breathalyzer (BAL) test after police said his vehicle collided with another while impaired.
Woods released his statement after entering a plea of not guilty, waiving his right to a prosecution and demanding a jury trial on Tuesday.
“I know and understand the gravity of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods said in a statement 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 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 taken into custody, also on Jupiter Island, after taking prescription medication and falling asleep behind the wheel of a moving car at
