Tiger Woods dominated the pre-tournament headlines despite not playing in the Masters, and many players at Augusta National have mixed views on his absence and struggles.
Woods had undergone multiple back surgeries and Achilles tendon surgery since his July 2024 major appearance when he was involved in a car accident on March 27, and has been working towards a further return to competition.
The former world number one was charged with driving under the influence (DUI) and pleaded not guilty after a jury trial, before announcing his decision to take a “period of time away” from golf to seek treatment and focus on his health.
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U.S. police released body camera footage of Woods being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) after his car crash.
PGA Tour and Masters chairman Fred Ridley was among those to send messages of support to Woods, who has missed this year’s opening major for the second year in a row, with former Jason Day admitting it was “difficult” to watch his “hero” struggle.
“Just because he can hit the golf ball so well doesn’t mean he’s immune to it (struggles),” Day said at a pre-tournament press conference. “He’s had 25 to 30 surgeries. When you’ve had that many surgeries, it’s painful to come out of them.
“He’s my hero. He’s been my hero since I was a kid. The reason I play golf is because of this tournament and because of Tiger. It’s hard to see what he’s going through, especially under the microscope. It must be hard for everyone to look at him and kind of look down on him, with who he is, with everything he has.”
“There are people who want him to fail and there are people who obviously want him to succeed. It’s really hard for me to go through that and watch him. I know he’s getting help now and that’s good. I hope he comes out on the other side and gets better.”
Woods has won the Masters five times in his career, most recently in 2019.
Mr Day added: “People here are supporting him and hoping he can get through this. It’s going to be difficult for him to be as isolated as he usually is. He stays at home most of the time and doesn’t go out much just because he’s popular as a person.”
“When you’re at home, it’s just difficult. Sometimes you don’t have people around you, but you love the people around you enough to guide you in the direction you need.
“He’s human and we all make mistakes. It’s just part of learning and getting better. I hope he gets the help he needs and comes out stronger and better on the other side because golf will miss him.”
Woods, Mickelson to miss Masters
This year’s tournament will be the first time since 1994 that both Woods and Phil Mickelson will be absent from the Masters, with the latter citing “personal health issues” in his family.
“I think everyone probably feels the same way. We’re just so thankful that he (Woods) is safe and everyone involved is safe,” 2018 Masters winner Patrick Reed explained. “I hope he recovers quickly and can get back here playing golf as soon as possible.
“Honestly, I think it’s really hurting the world of golf that Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are out and they’re out. At the same time, we want them to come back and be healthy and ready.”
Former world No. 1 Justin Rose added: “They (Mickelson and Woods) have obviously been giants in this game over the last 30 years. Obviously, in a tournament like this, if you’re a past champion, you have a chance to make a comeback.”
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Sky Sports’ Rich Beam reacts to Woods’ decision to exclude himself from captaining Team USA in the upcoming Ryder Cup
“Whether they’re No. 1,000 or No. 500 in the world rankings or whatever their current rankings are, their stature is and always will be far greater than the world of golf. It’s always a loss to not have either of them in the field anywhere.”
‘Looking forward to seeing him soon’ – PGA Tour hopes Tiger returns
Woods has only played 11 official tournaments since the end of November 2020, completing 72 holes in just four of them, most recently when he finished last among players to qualify for the 2024 Masters.
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Read the story of Woods’ worst round of a major, a 10-over 82 on Day 3 of the 2024 tournament.
The 50-year-old, who has suffered numerous injuries and life setbacks during his career, has not set a goal for another comeback, something many PGA Tour players would like to see happen.
“He’s a legend in the game and someone I looked up to,” Harris English said of Woods. “Seeing him win here in 1997 is kind of what got me interested in golf.
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The most shocking moments in Masters history, including Jordan Spieth’s fall on the 12th hole and injury-plagued Tiger Woods being subdued by security.
“I know he’ll get through this. He’s got a big fight ahead of him. He’s a fighter. That’s his job. He’ll get through it and come out a better man, a better person. We hope to see you soon.”
Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson added, “I didn’t care about his (Woods’) golf. Anybody who’s struggling with something, I feel for him because I’ve been through a lot of mental stuff. So, yeah, I’m always pushing for him.”
“I have nothing but love for him and hopefully he comes back stronger.”
Who will win the Masters? Watch the opening round of this year’s Major exclusively live on Sky Sports from 9th to 12th April. Live coverage of the first round will begin on Sky Sports Golf from 2pm on Thursday. Get and stream Sky Sports without a contract.
