Former US PGA champion Jason Day has publicly criticised Tiger Woods for “putting other people in harm’s way” following his DUI car crash last month.
He is the first high-profile golfer to publicly call out Woods after many in the golf world initially showed their support for the sporting legend.
Woods failed multiple sobriety assessments, with bodycam footage subsequently emerging showing him apparently struggling during standard cognitive examinations.
Officers discovered two hydrocodone tablets in his pocket during the arrest.
Woods now faces charges including driving under the influence, property damage, and refusing to submit to a lawful test after declining to provide a urine sample.
The 15-time major winner has since announced his intention to step away from the sport to seek treatment at an overseas facility, with privacy concerns cited as the reason for leaving the United States.
His lawyer, Douglas Duncan, entered a not guilty plea on his behalf, with the golfer’s next court appearance scheduled for May.
In a statement, Woods said: “I know and understand 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.”
Tiger Woods has been criticised for ‘putting other people in harm’s way’ following his DUI car crash last month
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Despite Woods’ acknowledgement of the situation, his former practice partner, Day, spoke out on the incident.
He said: “I look at it and go, he’s just a human being like everyone else and he has to accept that.”
Day, who is preparing for the Masters, added: “We all have struggles. It’s unfortunate what Tiger is going through. But 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.
“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 a little bit under the influence.”
Jason Day is preparing to play in The Masters later this month
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The Australian added: “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. It must be hard to be who he is and have everyone kind of look down on him.
“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. I know that he’s getting help now, which is good. I’m just hoping he comes out on the other side and is better.”
Tiger Woods was pictured in bodycam footage as he was arrested
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The three-time Masters champion, Sir Nick Faldo, also slammed Woods for his behaviour.
He said: “The Tour will look after him, as they always have done.
“But there has to be some accountability.
“The bottom line is that I really think that this is a serious issue and something should be done that is a little bit more serious than waving him off to a tropical island and saying ‘welcome back’ in three or four months or whatever it might be.”
