Your bag is empty.
Tiger Woods is, like Gary Player and Fred Couples, a genuine legend in golf. Right now, though, he’s in a tough spot. He’s not at The Masters this week because he’s stepped away from golf to recover after another DUI and car crash.
It’s the first time he’s attempting to get help for what has seemingly been an issue for a long time. And while he’s not at Augusta, the five-time Masters champion’s presence is looming large over the event. Player and Couples both offered their support for their fellow golf legend.
Gary Player reacts to Tiger Woods situation
Gary Player is sympathetic to Tiger Woods’ situation, but he believes the golfer made a big mistake. Woods was not in the right state of mind to be behind the wheel, and while Player understands what led him to that state, he is not on board with driving afterward.
“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.”
But with all that said, Player still has tremendous sympathy for Woods. It’s no secret that Woods has been living in pain for a long time, dealing with a ton of injuries and has had to have surgery multiple times. It adds up, and Player understands that.
“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.”
Jack Nicklaus comments
Tiger Woods hasn’t played golf in a long time, at least not on the PGA Tour. He’s made some appearances for his TGL team in the last year, but overall, he’s been largely absent. His presence in golf has been missed, even if he’s not the champion golfer he once was.
Six-time Masters champion Jack Nicklaus, who has one more Masters win than Woods, said he supports Woods getting the help he needs, “Just whatever you need to help you and get back, because I think golf needs him, and we’d love to have him back.”
Woods has a lifetime exemption to the Masters. The PGA Tour instituted an exemption for him to play any and all Signature Events. The other three Majors would likely, regardless of his current status, invite him to play if he wanted to. He could play any of the big tournaments, assuming health and recovery from addiction.
Those last things are what’s important here. If Woods isn’t healthy, then his absence will continue to loom over the sport. And if he can’t recover from the addiction that ails him, then it’ll be even harder for him to come back and stay back.
Statement
For perhaps the first time in a long time, Tiger Woods fully understands that he needs help. Crashing cars and substance abuse isn’t a new thing for the golfer, but this latest incident appears to have moved something for him. He offered up a statement after the arrest.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” he posted. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.
“I’m committed to taking the time needed 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.”
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