Jason Day felt compassion for Tiger Woods as the famed golfer goes through with his struggle with addiction, but there was one thought that Day couldn’t shake when he spoke with reporters on Monday ahead of this week’s Masters.
“I look at it and go, ‘He’s just a human being like everyone else and we have struggles,'” Day told reporters in Augusta, Georgia. “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.”
Jason Day of Australia plays a shot from the 11th hole tee box during a practice round prior to the 2026 Masters Tournament. Getty Images While Woods will not be at the Masters this week, his March 27th arrest in Jupiter Island, Florida, has cast a pall over this week’s tournament.
Woods was arrested for DUI after he struck a truck trying to pass it and flipped his Range Rover onto its side. He pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor DUI with property damage charge and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
Police found two painkillers in his pocket when he was arrested at the scene of the incident.
It was Woods’ second DUI arrest since 2017 and his fourth known vehicular incident dating back to 2009.
In this image from police body camera video released by the Martin County, Fla., Sheriff’s Office, golfer Tiger Woods is taken into custody by sheriff’s deputies following a car crash in Jupiter Island, Fla., Friday, March 27, 2026. AP While Day referred to Woods as his “hero,” he did point to his success on the golf course as to the reason why the five-time Masters champion may have driven on March 27.
“But when you’re the player that he was and how strong-willed he is, he thinks he can do almost anything, and that’s probably why he’s driving and a little bit under the influence,” Day said.
Woods was granted the ability to leave the country in order to undergo treatment and, according to TMZ, landed in Zurich, Switzerland on Friday morning.
The 15-time major champion said in a statement at the end of March that he understood the “seriousness of the situation I find myself in today.”
“I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery,” Woods said as part of a statement.
Day may have taken a stern tone toward Woods’ situation, the Aussie golfer is rooting for Woods to overcome his issues.
“He’s my hero,” Day said. “He was my hero growing up. The reason why I play golf is because of this tournament [the Masters] and Tiger. 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 everyone look kind of down on him.
“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. I’m just hoping he comes out on the other side and is better.”
