Masters star labels Tiger Woods 'selfish' over DUI arrest on eve of Augusta return

Five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods has been branded "selfish" over the behaviour that led to his recent arrest. The golf icon was charged with driving under the influence (DUI) after flipping his car in Jupiter, Florida, last month.

The incident dashed any hopes of witnessing the 15-time major-winner back at Augusta National this week. And while Jason Day has sympathy for his fellow professional, he also called Woods out for potentially putting "other people in harm's way." Day, 38, described Woods as his childhood hero and held the sporting legend in the highest regard. As such, he sought to express compassion when addressing the "unfortunate" situation in the build-up to the 2026 Masters. "When I look at that, I look at it and go, he's just a human being like everyone else and we have struggles," he told reporters in Augusta this week. "It's unfortunate."

Yet the Australian stopped short of offering absolution as he added: "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."

Woods, 50, had been expected to feature in some capacity at Augusta this week after making progress following his latest back surgery. Instead, he has now embarked upon yet another hiatus after announcing he would be stepping away from golf to concentrate on his personal wellbeing.

"I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health," Woods said in a statement after it emerged he had been arrested and held for eight hours. "This is necessary in order for me to prioritise my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.

"I'm committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time."

Day once again expressed sympathy for the veteran, saying it "must be hard to be who he is." The inevitable self-belief that accompanies such status is, as Day theorises, a significant factor in why Woods may have chosen to drive while impaired.

"When you're the player that he was. and how strong-willed he is, he thinks he can do almost anything," Day continued. "And that's probably why he's driving a little bit under the influence.

"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, and especially under the microscope.

"Some people want him to fail. And some people obviously still want him to succeed. I'm one who wants him to do well, and It's really difficult for me to go through that and watch him lately."

Day finished tied for eighth at last year's Masters in what was an encouraging return to form following several difficult years at Augusta. He has yet to surpass his shared runner-up finish on his Masters debut back in 2011 but will hope to finally claim his Green Jacket this weekend.