Golfers Reflect on Tiger Woods' Absence from Masters

Players express empathy and concern for Woods' personal struggles as he misses the major tournament

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:38pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented golf course scene, with overlapping shapes and planes of green, brown, and blue hues, conveying the complex emotions surrounding Tiger Woods' absence from the Masters.The absence of golf icon Tiger Woods from the Masters tournament leaves a void in the sport, as players grapple with his personal struggles and the broader impact on the game.Jupiter Island Today

Tiger Woods will not be competing in this year's Masters Tournament at Augusta National, following his recent DUI arrest in Florida. Several professional golfers, including Jason Day, Patrick Reed, and Bubba Watson, have shared their reactions to Woods' absence, expressing empathy for his personal challenges while also acknowledging the impact his absence has on the sport of golf.

Why it matters

Tiger Woods is one of the most iconic and influential figures in the history of golf. His absence from the Masters, one of the sport's most prestigious events, is significant and raises questions about his future in the game. Golfers' reactions highlight the complex emotions surrounding Woods' personal struggles and the broader impact on the sport.

The details

Woods' DUI arrest on March 27 in Jupiter Island, Florida, sent shockwaves through the golf community. Bodycam footage showed Woods admitting he was 'hoping to' play in the Masters, but he later released a statement saying he would be stepping away from golf to 'seek treatment.' Golfers like Jason Day, Patrick Reed, and Bubba Watson have expressed concern for Woods' well-being, while also acknowledging the impact his absence has on the sport. Day called the situation 'unfortunate' and 'selfish,' while Reed and Watson emphasized the importance of Woods' return to the game.

  • On March 27, Tiger Woods was arrested for DUI in Jupiter Island, Florida.
  • Woods released a statement after his arrest, saying he would be stepping away from golf to 'seek treatment.'

The players

Tiger Woods

A legendary professional golfer who has won 15 major championships, including five Masters titles. Woods' recent DUI arrest has led him to step away from the sport to focus on his personal well-being.

Jason Day

A professional golfer who has won one major championship. Day expressed empathy for Woods' struggles, but also criticized his decision to drive while impaired, calling it 'a little bit selfish.'

Patrick Reed

A professional golfer who has won one major championship, the Masters. Reed acknowledged the impact of Woods' and Phil Mickelson's absences on the sport of golf.

Bubba Watson

A professional golfer who has won two Masters championships. Watson emphasized that he is 'pulling for [Woods] as a human being' and cares more about his well-being than his golf performance.

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What they’re saying

“I look at it and go, 'He's just a human being like everyone else, and we have struggles.' 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, Professional Golfer

“Let's be honest, without Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in the events, in golf, when they both step away, honestly I feel it hurts the game of golf. But at the same time, we want them to come back and be healthy and ready to go.”

— Patrick Reed, Professional Golfer

“I could care less about Tiger's golf. I told him from day one that we started hanging out back in [2006 or 2007], somewhere in there, that I'm pulling for him as a human being. Forget his golf — I could care less about his golf.”

— Bubba Watson, Professional Golfer

What’s next

Woods has entered a plea of not guilty and is demanding a trial with a jury. The judge in the case will decide on the next steps in the legal process.

The takeaway

Tiger Woods' absence from the Masters highlights the complex personal struggles he is facing and the broader impact his situation has on the sport of golf. While golfers express empathy for Woods, they also acknowledge the importance of his return to the game and the need for him to prioritize his health and well-being.