jason day said Tiger Woods remains a major presence at Augusta National Golf Club this week even though he is not in the field at the Masters. Speaking Monday in Augusta, Ga., Day described Woods as a hero while also calling it “a little bit selfish” to drive and put other people in harm’s way after the Florida DUI arrest.
Day’s blunt reaction at Augusta National
Day’s remarks came as the 90th Masters unfolded without Woods, who is facing misdemeanor DUI charges tied to a March 27 crash near his home in Hobe Sound, Florida. Woods pleaded not guilty to the charges, including property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test, and he also faced a distracted driving violation after telling police he was looking at his phone when his SUV clipped a trailer being hauled by a truck.
The concern around Woods has intensified because his jet landed in Switzerland on Friday, adding to speculation that he may be entering a treatment center there. A judge granted permission two days earlier for Woods to travel outside the United States and enter a comprehensive inpatient treatment facility.
Day said the situation shows the strain of addiction and recovery, stressing that fame and success do not make anyone immune. “He’s just a human being like everyone else, and we have struggles, ” Day said, adding that Woods has endured “25 to 30 something surgeries” and that repeated procedures can leave a person in pain.
Jason Day on the human cost behind the headline
jason day framed the arrest as painful to watch, especially because Woods has long been the player who helped inspire him to play golf. He said Woods “was my hero” growing up and that the Masters itself was part of the reason he pursued the game.
Day also drew a firm line on the driving decision, saying Woods should never have been behind the wheel. He added that Woods likely believed he could do almost anything because of how strong-willed he is, but that confidence does not excuse putting others at risk. In Day’s words, the hardest part is watching Woods “under the microscope” while some people want him to fail and others want him to succeed.
Day said he is encouraged that Woods is getting help and hopes he comes through the other side in better shape. He also noted that he has had procedures himself and tries to stay away from painkillers because of the possible fallout.
Masters week without Woods and Mickelson
The absence of Woods adds a rare edge to this Masters. Phil Mickelson is also out, after announcing last week that he will be away for an extended period while his family navigates a personal health matter. It is the first time since 1994 that neither Woods nor Mickelson is in the Masters field.
Patrick Reed, the 2018 Masters champion, said the game misses both players when they are not competing, but he also emphasized the need for them to return healthy and ready. Bubba Watson, who saw Woods’ last Masters win in 2019, echoed that emotional pull around Woods and the event.
What happens next
For now, the focus stays on Woods’ legal case, his reported treatment plans, and how the golf world responds as Masters week moves on without him. jason day’s comments made clear that the conversation is no longer only about golf; it is also about the personal toll behind one of the sport’s biggest names, and that story is likely to remain central as developments around jason day and Woods continue to unfold.
