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Tiger Woods is not at the Masters. Jason Day wonders why he was behind the wheel in DUI arrest - AP News
Tiger Woods is a topic of conversation at the Masters without even being there. Jason Day is among players who wish the best for his recovery from an arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence during a car accident. But Day also says it was selfish of Woods to be driving. It follows Nick Faldo saying it's time Woods is held accountable. Woods has entered a not guilty plea to the charge from the March 27 accident. He also was granted a motion to seek treatment outside the country. Day says he hopes Woods comes out of this better.
Tiger Woods is not at the Masters. Jason Day wonders why he was behind the wheel in DUI arrest
After crashing his SUV last week in Florida, Tiger Woods took out his phone and told a deputy, “I was just talking to the president,” according to body camera footage released Thursday showing Woods’ arrest on a DUI charge.
In this image from police body camera video released by the Martin County, Fla., Sheriff’s Office, golfer Tiger Woods is taken into custody by sheriff’s deputies following a car crash in Jupiter Island, Fla., Friday, March 27, 2026. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office via AP)
In this image from police body camera video released by the Martin County, Fla., Sheriff’s Office, golfer Tiger Woods sits in an unmarked police vehicle as he speaks with law enforcement personnel following a car crash in Jupiter Island, Fla., Friday, March 27, 2026. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office via AP)
Jason Day chips onto the eighth green during the final round of the Texas Children’s Houston Open golf tournament Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Tiger Woods was a big part of the conversation 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.”
Jason Day tees off on the first hole during the final round of the Texas Children’s Houston Open golf tournament Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
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 look on, kind of down on him.
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