Former World No.1 Jason Day Calls out His “Hero” Tiger Woods Following Car Crash and DUI Arrest

Tiger Woods will not be at the 2026 Masters Tournament as he announced a hiatus from golf to seek treatment last week.

Former World No.1 Jason Day Calls out His “Hero” Tiger Woods Following Car Crash and DUI Arrest

Jason Day and Tiger Woods (Image via Imago/X/@GolfDigest)

For the past few days, Tiger Woods has dominated the headlines in golf following his recent car crash and DUI arrest. Ahead of the Masters Tournament this week, former World No.1 Jason Day opened up about this incident regarding his “hero” and had some tough words for him.

Woods, the 15-time champion, was involved in a rollover crash on March 27 near his residence in Jupiter, Florida. While his alcohol test came back as negative, he refused to submit his urine for further tests. He was later arrested for three misdemeanors.

During the investigation, two white pills, later identified as hydrocodone, were found in his pocket. This is used to manage severe, chronic pain. He was also “sweating profusely“, according to the arrest affidavit.

This incident regarding Woods sparked massive backlash on social media. Many high-profile personalities called him out and urged strict action against the PGA Tour, as this was not the first time he had been involved in a car crash.

With the 90th Masters Tournament set to take place this week at the Augusta National, golfers have started to appear at the course and get their final preparations underway.

On Monday, former World No.1 Jason Day would speak to the reporters regarding Woods. While the Australian golfer called the 82-time PGA Tour winner his “hero“, he called him out for his “selfish” act of driving while taking medications.

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. … He’s my hero. He was my hero growing up. The reason why I play golf is because of this tournament and Tiger. It’s hard to see him go through what he’s going through.

Jason Day told the reporters regarding Tiger Woods

The development regarding Woods came at a time when he was preparing to make his 27th start at the Masters Tournament. The golfer had not made an official PGA Tour start since the 2024 Open Championship, where he missed the cut.

4 days after his arrest and release on bail, Woods broke his silence. He released a statement on X and announced a hiatus from golf for the time being to seek treatment regarding his health. As per reports from TMZ, his private jet landed in Zurich, Switzerland, on Friday.

Former Masters Champion sends strong message regarding Tiger Woods ahead of Masters Tournament

Tiger Woods is one of the big absentees from the Masters Tournament this week. The 50-year-old recently announced taking a break from the sport and getting himself treated. A former Masters Champion would send a strong message regarding Woods ahead of the event.

Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods (Image via X/@GolfDigest)

As a former winner, Woods has a lifetime exemption in this event. Golfers who win this event do not need to qualify again to play due to their status as past champions.

One of them who is enjoying this perk this week is Bubba Watson. The 2-time Masters Tournament winner does not need to go through the qualification process due to his wins in 2012 and 2014.

On Monday, the LIV Golfer was one of those who would speak with the media. During this, the RangeGoats GC captain revealed he once told Woods that he would be “pulling” for him no matter what.

I could care less about Tiger’s golf. I told him from day one that we started hanging out back in (2006 or 2007), somewhere in there, that I’m pulling for him as a human being. Forget his golf. I could care less about his golf. Anybody that’s struggling with anything, I feel for him.

Bubba Watson said regarding Tiger Woods as per ESPN

Woods, however, is not the only big name missing from the playing field this week. His longtime career rival, Phil Mickelson, will also not tee up this week.

The 6-time major champion has been dealing with some personal family matters this year. He has only made 1 appearance on LIV Golf and missed the other 4 events so far. This marks the first time since 1994 that neither Woods nor Mickelson will play in the Masters.

It remains unclear when Mickelson and Woods will return to golf action. Speaking of the Masters Tournament, Rory McIlroy will host the Champions Dinner on Tuesday ahead of his major title defense on Thursday.

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