Mark Schlabach
Multiple Authors
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Tiger Woods is not competing within the ninetieth Masters at Augusta National Golf Club this week, however golfers within the subject stated they’re pulling for the 15-time main champion after he purportedly entered remedy following his DUI arrest in Florida on March 27.
“I look at it and go, ‘He’s just a human being like everyone else, and we have struggles,'” Jason Day stated Monday of the allegations. “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.”
Woods, 50, pleaded not guilty to expenses of misdemeanor DUI with property harm and refusal to undergo a lawful check. Woods was additionally charged with distracted driving, a shifting violation, after he informed police he was trying at his telephone when his SUV clipped a trailer being hauled by a truck close to his residence in Hobe Sound, Florida.
“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,” Day stated.
Woods’ jet landed in Switzerland on Friday, resulting in hypothesis that he could be getting into a remedy heart there. A decide granted a movement two days earlier for Woods to travel outside the United States and enter a complete inpatient remedy facility.
“It just shows the human element and the human side of someone that is struggling with some sort of an addiction,” Day stated. “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.”
“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. … It’s hard to see him go through what he’s going through, and especially under the microscope.”
Jason Day on Tiger Woods
Woods, a five-time Masters champion, informed a sheriff’s deputy following the March 27 wreck that he had undergone seven again surgical procedures and over 20 surgical procedures on his proper leg and that his ankle seizes up whereas he’s strolling.
After Woods was handcuffed, one other officer discovered two white capsules in his pants pocket. Woods stated the capsules have been Norco, referring to a painkiller that incorporates acetaminophen and the opioid hydrocodone. Authorities later confirmed that Woods was in possession of hydrocodone.
“He’s my hero,” Day stated. “He was my hero growing up. The reason why I play golf is because of this tournament [the Masters] 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 everyone look kind of down on him.
“Some folks need him to fail. Some folks clearly need him to succeed. It’s actually tough for me to undergo that and watch him, and I do know that he is getting the assistance now, which is sweet. I’m simply hoping he comes out on the opposite aspect and is best.”
Three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson additionally is not within the subject this yr. He introduced final week that he’ll be out for an extended period as his household continues to “navigate a private well being matter.”
It’s the first time since 1994 that neither Mickelson nor Woods is in the Masters field.
“Let’s be sincere, with out Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson within the occasions, in golf, after they each step away, actually I really feel it hurts the sport of golf,” stated 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed. “But at the identical time, we wish them to return again and be wholesome and able to go.”
Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson witnessed Woods’ last Masters victory in 2019. Watson said he urged other previous champions to go to the 18th green to congratulate him.
“I might care much less about Tiger’s golf,” Watson said. “I informed him from day one which we began hanging out again in [2006 or 2007], someplace in there, that I’m pulling for him as a human being. Forget his golf — I might care much less about his golf.
“Anybody that’s struggling with anything, I feel for him because I’ve [gone] 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.”
Jacob Bridgeman certified for his first Masters by successful the Genesis Invitational, which Woods hosted at Riviera Country Club outdoors Los Angeles.
“I think everybody has a very soft heart for Tiger,” Bridgeman stated. “He’s been the guy for our game that’s changed everything the most. 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 feel everyone is considering him and hoping he can do what’s finest.”
