Former Masters Champion Criticizes Tiger Woods After DUI Arrest

Sir Nick Faldo says Woods should face 'accountability' for his actions and not be 'welcomed back to the sport with open arms'.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:50pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a golfer's swing or a tournament scene, rendered in bold, clashing colors that evoke the complex emotions and controversies surrounding Tiger Woods' recent legal issues.A deconstructed, cubist interpretation of the ongoing saga surrounding Tiger Woods' off-the-course troubles.Jupiter Today

Three-time Masters champion Sir Nick Faldo has strongly criticized Tiger Woods following his recent DUI arrest. Faldo said Woods should face more 'accountability' for his actions and not be easily welcomed back to golf after the incident, in which Woods had two hydrocodone pills in his pocket and exhibited 'severe signs of impairment' according to police reports.

Why it matters

Woods' latest high-profile car accident and DUI arrest has reignited discussions around the former world No. 1 golfer's personal struggles and whether the PGA Tour and golf community have done enough to hold him accountable for his off-course issues over the years.

The details

Woods was arrested near his Florida home last month and charged with driving under the influence and refusing to provide a urine sample. Police bodycam footage showed Woods fighting off hiccups and drowsiness in the back of a police car. Faldo criticized the PGA Tour's 'predictably weak' statement in response, saying there needs to be more 'accountability' for Woods' actions.

  • Woods was arrested on April 1, 2026 near his home in Jupiter, Florida.
  • The police bodycam footage was recently released.

The players

Sir Nick Faldo

A three-time Masters champion who will be working as an analyst for Sky Sports at this year's tournament.

Tiger Woods

A 15-time major champion who has been involved in multiple high-profile car accidents and DUI incidents over the past 17 years.

Jack Nicklaus

A legendary golfer who said Woods' latest incident has 'tarnished the entire sport'.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I feel sorry for Tiger that he is living 24-7 in pain… but it has all been self-inflicted. There are two sides to this right now. There's one side that's like… let's care for Tiger. And then there has got to be a responsibility and an accountability side as well.”

— Sir Nick Faldo, Three-time Masters champion

“This is a serious thing that he has done. I look at the PGA Tour statement, it was so predictably weak. The Tour will look after him, as they always have done. But then you've got Jack [Nicklaus] saying it has tarnished the entire sport. There has to be some accountability. Forget about golf. We are not meant to be on the streets with two pills in our pocket.”

— Sir Nick Faldo, Three-time Masters champion

What’s next

Woods has announced he is stepping away from golf to receive treatment and will not participate in this year's Masters tournament.

The takeaway

Woods' latest incident has reignited long-standing questions about the golf community's handling of his personal struggles and whether he has faced sufficient 'accountability' for his actions over the years. Faldo's strong criticism suggests there is a growing sentiment that Woods should not be so easily welcomed back to the sport without facing more serious consequences.