Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player speak out for first time on Tiger Woods’ latest DUI crash, arrest: ‘My heart goes out for him’ originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
There’s a notable name absent at the 2026 Masters.
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Five-time green jacket holder Tiger Woods officially ruled himself out of the famous competition on March 31, four days after being arrested and charged with driving under the influence after causing a car wreck near his Jupiter Island, Fla. home.
Woods was charged with three misdemeanors: DUI, refusal to take a urinalysis test and property damage. He passed a breathalyzer test on the scene but officers arrested him after he showed “exemplifying signs of impairment.” On March 31, TMZ reported that Woods had two hydrocodone pills on him at the time of the crash.
The nature of Woods’ arrest has made him a lightning rod for conversation. On Thursday, fellow golf titans Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player addressed Woods’ struggles at Augusta National. Here’s what you need to know.
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Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player address Tiger Woods DUI crash, arrest
Nicklaus and Player offered support for Woods following his DUI arrest on March 27. The former Masters champions were on the scene at Augusta National on Thursday, speaking with reporters under a facade of blooming azaleas.
Player, tasked with hitting the ceremonial tee shot before the opening round of the Masters, expressed sympathy for Woods’ ongoing struggles with injuries. He also implored the 15-time major champion to hire a chauffeur after his latest incident.
“Do I blame him for taking medicine? Hell, no,” Player said. “He has sleep deprivation. Do I blame him for taking something to help him sleep? No. But I don’t think he should drive a car. When you’re taking that medicine, it’s dangerous when you’re driving a car, same as it’s dangerous when you look at your cellphone in the car.”
On March 31, Woods announced his intention to step away from the grass while undergoing treatment. He is believed to be at a facility in Switzerland after his plane landed there.
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MORE: Latest on the charges facing Tiger Woods following DUI arrest
“This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery,” Woods’ statement read.
“My heart goes out for him,” Player said. “There’s nothing worse than living in pain every day of your life. You can’t think of anything worse. I just hope he can get it all sorted out because he’s such an asset to golf and has done so much for the game.”
Nicklaus expressed similar sentiments:
“Just whatever you need to help you and get back, because I think golf needs him, and we’d love to have him back.”
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