Florida authorities determined him to be impaired when they found two painkiller pills in his pocket. Woods also refused to submit to a urine test and was briefly jailed. Gary Player does not begrudge Tiger Woods for using medications to manage the pain from numerous surgeries over the years, but his fellow Masters champion does believe that the 15-time major winner should not be behind the wheel of a car. Woods was arrested March 27 on suspicion of driving under the influence after his Land Rover struck a trailer and flipped onto its side along a residential street.
Key Factors
If I or any of you in this room had the pain that Tiger Woods had – think of the excruciating pain that this man has been going through for a long time. “Do I blame him for taking medicine? Hell, no. He has sleep deprivation,” Player continued. “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 a car. Known for his fastidious diet and fitness regimen, Player went so far as to admit he no longer drives himself these days. I get a chauffer. I think that’s the answer to it. The announcement came hours after he pleaded not guilty to a DUI charge in connection with the crash. Four years ago, Woods’s right leg and ankle were crushed when his speeding SUV ran over a median and toppled down a hillside on a coastal road in Los Angeles. “There’s nothing worse than living in pain every day of your life. You can’t think of anything worse. Just about everyone at Augusta National this week has expressed sympathy for Woods, but many players – including Jason Day – also agreed with Player that he should not have been behind the wheel of a car. “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. Day, a former No. “It’s hard to see him go through what he’s going through, and especially under the microscope. “Some people want him to fail. Some people obviously want him to succeed. It’s really difficult for me to go through that and watch him, and I know that he’s getting the help now, which is good. Police found him with two prescription painkiller pills. “Many operations on his leg and his back, so he’s in pain. Player, like the Masters and PGA Tour, supported Woods in his fight to recover.
Woods, a five-time Masters champion, said last week he would be missing the tournament at Augusta National for the second straight year so that he could seek treatment at an undisclosed facility outside of the U.S., and “prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery. Because he’s such an asset to golf and has done so much for the game, i just hope he can get it all sorted out. Asked about his advice for Woods, Player said he needs to avoid getting behind a steering wheel due to his need for painkillers.
The 90-year-old Player spoke about Woods after helping to hit the honorary tee shots to start the first round of the Masters. “My reflexes, I think, are as good as when I was 20, but I don’t drive anymore. Woods’ injury list over the last 14 years is a long one. He had reconstructive knee surgery in 2008, four back surgeries from 2014-17, and he was previously arrested in 2017 for taking what he called a bad mix of painkillers that resulted in him falling asleep behind the wheel of a running car. Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and 90-year-old South African Player struck the ceremonial opening tee shots at Augusta National. Woods, a 15-time major winner, pleaded not guilty after being arrested following a car crash near his home in Florida.
“You know,” Player said Thursday, “it’s very easy – the human being is so critical of everything. “So I think all he’s got to do is just not drive a car, and get a chauffeur,” Player said. “My heart goes out for him,” Player said. “He’s just a human being like everyone else, and we have struggles,” Day said. 1, called Woods his “hero,” and said the reasons he began playing golf were Woods and the Masters. It must be hard to be who he is and have everything, everyone look on, kind of down on him,” Day said. I’m just hoping he comes out on the other side and is better.” (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Golf legend Gary Player, speaking at the Masters on Thursday, called on Tiger Woods to “get a chauffeur” after his DUI arrest last month. Golf legend Gary Player, speaking at the Masters on Thursday, called on Tiger Woods to “get a chauffeur” after his DUI arrest last month. “Just (wishing you) whatever you need to help you and get back, because I think golf needs him and we’d love to have him back,” said Nicklaus, winner of a record 18 majors, when asked if he had a message for Woods. “Think of the excruciating pain that this man has been going through for a long time,” Player said of Woods.
He also had surgery on his Achilles tendon and a seventh back surgery last year.
