Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus address Tiger Woods arrest, recovery

Augusta, Ga. — Former Masters champion Gary Player said he sympathizes with Tiger Woods‘ ongoing pain from multiple injuries, but says the 15-time major champion will have to employ a driver and stop operating vehicles while on medication.

Speaking to reporters Thursday after hitting a ceremonial tee shot before the opening round of the 90th Masters, the player said Woods needed to hire a driver following his DUI arrest in Florida on March 27.

Player said, “Do I blame him for taking drugs? Not at all.” “She’s sleep deprived. Do I blame her for taking something to help her sleep? No. But I don’t think she should be driving a car. When you’re taking that drug, it’s dangerous when you’re driving, the same way it’s dangerous when you’re looking at your cellphone in the car.”

Woods, 51, was formally charged Wednesday with misdemeanor DUI and refusing to submit to a chemical or physical test of his breath or urine, according to court records. Woods is also facing a ticket for distracted driving, a felony violation, after he told police he was looking at his phone before he clipped the back of a trailer and flipped his SUV sideways.

The five-time Masters champion announced on March 31 that he was stepping away from competitive golf and his administrative roles with the PGA Tour to seek “comprehensive inpatient treatment.”

A judge granted Woods’ request to seek treatment outside the US due to privacy concerns. Woods is believed to be in a facility in Switzerland after his plane landed there.

“My heart goes out to him,” Player said. “There’s nothing worse than being in pain every day of your life. You can’t think of anything worse than that. I just hope he figures it all out because he’s so valuable to golf and he’s done so much for the game.”

Six-time Masters champion Jack Nicklaus said: “Do whatever you need to help and bring him back, because I think golf needs him, and we’d love to have him back.”

On Tuesday, prosecutors indicated they planned to issue a subpoena seeking copies of Woods’ prescription drug records on file at Lewis Pharmacy in Palm Beach, Florida.

A Martin County Sheriff’s affidavit says deputies found two pain pills in Woods’ pants pocket and that the golfer showed signs of impairment after the crash.