Golf icon Gary Player has voiced his understanding of Tiger Woods' use of pain medication but issued a stark warning against driving while under its influence. This comes in the wake of Woods' arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence in Florida last month.
Player's Sympathy and Caution
Speaking at the Masters tournament, the 90-year-old Player expressed deep empathy for Woods' chronic pain, stemming from numerous surgeries over the years. "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," Player said. "Do I blame him for taking medicine? Hell, no. He has sleep deprivation. Do I blame him for taking something to help him sleep? No."
However, Player was unequivocal about the dangers of driving while medicated. "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 cell phone in a car," he emphasized.
Recent Incident and Legal Troubles
Woods was arrested on March 27 after his Land Rover struck a trailer and flipped on a residential street. Florida authorities found two painkillers in his pocket, leading them to determine he was impaired. He refused a urine test and was briefly jailed. Hours before Player's comments, Woods pleaded not guilty to a DUI charge and announced he would miss the Masters to seek treatment at an undisclosed facility outside the U.S., prioritizing his "well-being and work toward lasting recovery."
Player's Personal Stance on Driving
Known for his rigorous fitness regimen, Player revealed he no longer drives himself, despite believing his reflexes are as sharp as ever. "So I think all he's got to do is just not drive a car, and get a chauffeur," Player advised. "My reflexes, I think, are as good as when I was 20, but I don't drive anymore. I get a chauffeur. I think that's the answer to it."
Woods' Injury History and Previous Incidents
Woods' extensive injury list includes reconstructive knee surgery in 2008, four back surgeries from 2014-17, and a severe car crash four years ago that crushed his right leg and ankle. He also had Achilles tendon surgery and a seventh back surgery last year. This is not his first DUI-related incident; in 2017, he was arrested after falling asleep behind the wheel due to a bad mix of painkillers.
Support and Criticism from Fellow Golfers
At Augusta National, many players echoed Player's sentiments. Jason Day, a former world number one, called Woods his "hero" but criticized his decision to drive. "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 said. He added, "It's hard to see him go through what he's going through, and especially under the microscope. It must be hard to be who he is and have everything, everyone look on, kind of down on him."
Player concluded with a heartfelt message: "My heart goes out for him. 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."
