Aussie Champion Jason Day Slams ‘Selfish’ Actions of Tiger Woods During His ‘Addiction’ Struggle

Tiger Woods was a prominent topic of discussion at the Masters on Monday, even in his absence from Augusta National. His nonappearance, a result of his recent arrest for alleged driving under the influence, drew criticism from Australian golfer Jason Day.

Authorities in Florida reported that Woods was impaired on March 28 when his Land Rover collided with a trailer and overturned on a residential street. During the incident, officers discovered two painkiller tablets in his pocket. Woods was taken into custody after refusing to take a urine test.

“Regarding Tiger, it just highlights that human aspect of someone battling an addiction,” remarked Day.

“He isn’t exempt from it simply because he possesses immense golfing talent.

“The aftermath of those (surgical) procedures can be difficult. I’ve undergone similar treatments and I generally try to avoid painkillers. There can be significant repercussions.

“He’s just like everyone else, facing his own challenges.

“It’s a pity. What I find somewhat troubling is that it seems selfish to drive while potentially endangering others.”

“But when you’re the player he once was, with such determination, he may think he can handle more than he should. That’s likely why he was driving while impaired.”

This marks the second consecutive year Woods has missed the Masters, with circumstances quite distinct from last year’s absence due to a ruptured Achilles tendon that prevented him from attending the champions’ dinner.

Woods entered a plea of not guilty last week, following which he applied for and received permission to seek treatment overseas.

“He’s been my hero—he still is,” commented Day, who reached the world No.1 ranking a decade ago.

“My passion for golf stems from this tournament and from Tiger. It’s hard witnessing his struggles, especially under such scrutiny. It must be incredibly challenging for him, given that everyone is watching and judging.

“Some supporters wish to see him succeed, while others are waiting for him to fail.

It’s difficult for me to watch, but I’m relieved he’s seeking help now. I just hope he emerges from this stronger.”

Woods is a five-time winner of the Masters, with his last victory coming in 2019, marking an extraordinary comeback in the sport. Between his wins, he underwent knee reconstruction (2008) and four back surgeries (2014-2017), alongside an arrest in 2017 for being found asleep in his car, which he attributed to a poor combination of prescribed painkillers.

Since his last Masters win, Woods suffered severe injuries to his right leg and ankle in 2021 when his SUV veered off a median and rolled down a hill on a Los Angeles roadway. He has also had surgery on his Achilles tendon and a seventh back surgery last year.

Nick Faldo voiced strong criticism towards Woods in a recent interview with Britain’s Daily Telegraph, stating, “There are two facets to this situation. One part is about showing care for Tiger, but there must also be an element of responsibility and accountability.

“Let’s forget about golf for a moment. We shouldn’t be on the roads with two pills in our possession,” Faldo added.

“The crucial point here is that this is a significant issue, and people should be addressing it with more seriousness than simply sending him off to a tropical retreat and saying, ‘Welcome back’ in a few months, or whatever timeframe it may be.”

Phil Mickelson, a three-time Masters champion and runner-up last year at the age of 52, is also absent from this year’s Masters as he attends to a family health issue. This marks the first time since 1994 that neither Woods nor Mickelson will be present at Augusta National for the season’s opening major tournament.