Tiger Woods is not at Augusta this week, and the two men who know Augusta National better than almost anyone made sure his name was not forgotten.
Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player both addressed Woods’ absence during their Honorary Starters press conference at Augusta National on Thursday, offering words of support for the 15-time major champion who is missing the Masters for the second year in a row.
Tiger Woods stepped away from the sport following a car crash on March 27 and is currently seeking treatment after being arrested and charged with driving under the influence. He has entered a not guilty plea and is taking the case to a jury trial. Prior to the incident, he had been working towards another competitive comeback from injury.
Player spoke with empathy about the physical suffering Woods has endured over the years, while also offering some candid advice. “If I or any of you in this room had the pain that Tiger Woods had, think of the excruciating pain that this man has been going through for a long time,”
Player said. “Do I blame him for taking medicine? Hell, no. He has sleep deprivation. Do I blame him for taking something to help him sleep? No. But I don’t think he should drive a car.”
Player drew a comparison to his own situation, noting that despite feeling his reflexes are still sharp, he chooses not to drive anymore. “I think all he’s got to do is just not drive a car and get a chauffeur. My heart goes out for him. There’s nothing worse than living in pain every day of your life. I just hope he can get it all sorted out because he’s such an asset to golf and has done so much for the game.”
Nicklaus, whose record of 18 major titles Woods had long chased but will now never surpass, kept his message simple and sincere. “Just get whatever you need to help you and get back, because I think golf needs him, and we’d love to have him back,” Nicklaus said.
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley also addressed the situation briefly in his pre-tournament press conference. “We fully support Tiger’s recent decision to focus on his health and well-being,” Ridley said. “Our commitment to the TGR Foundation and to Tiger personally has not wavered. We wish him the very best.”
Tiger Woods has played just 11 official tournaments since late 2020, completing 72 holes in only four of them. His most recent Masters appearance came in 2024, when he finished last among those who made the cut. His last competitive round of any kind was at The Open in July 2024.
