Golfers react to Tiger Woods’ absence at Augusta National during Masters week: ‘It’s unfortunate’


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Tiger Woods may not be competing in this year’s Masters Tournament, but he is on golfers’ minds as they prepare for the major this year.

Woods’ DUI arrest in Florida on March 27 sent a shockwave through the golf community, and despite needing to lock in at one of the hardest courses on the golf schedule, it’s hard not to think about the five-time Masters winner.

Bodycam footage from his arrest, which occurred after a rollover crash in Jupiter Island, Florida, saw Woods admit he was “hoping to” play in the Masters. But he released a statement after his arrest, saying he would be stepping away from golf to “seek treatment.”

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Golfers react to Tiger Woods’ absence at Augusta National during Masters week: ‘It’s unfortunate’

Tiger Woods of the United States looks on during a practice round prior to the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 9, 2024 in Augusta, Georgia. (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

“I look at it and go, ‘He’s just a human being like everyone else, and we have struggles,’” Jason Day said on Monday regarding Woods’ situation, per ESPN. “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.”

Day added that Woods 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.

“Some people want him to fail. Some people obviously want him to succeed. It’s really difficult for me to go through that and watch him, and I know that he’s getting the help now, which is good. I’m just hoping he comes out on the other side and is better.”

Patrick Reed, a green jacket winner like Woods, is also missing him in Augusta, as well as fellow LIV Golf star Phil Mickelson, who announced he won’t be playing in the tournament due to a family health matter just days after Woods’ arrest.

“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,” Reed said, per ESPN. “But at the same time, we want them to come back and be healthy and ready to go.”

Golfer Tiger Woods performing a field sobriety test on a roadside in Jupiter Island, Florida

In this image taken from police body camera video released by the Martin County, Fla., Sheriff’s Office, golfer Tiger Woods performs a field sobriety test for sheriff’s deputies following a car crash in Jupiter Island, Fla., Friday, March 27, 2026. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office/AP)

Bubba Watson viewed Woods’ situation from a human perspective — not as a fellow golfer.

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“I could care less about Tiger’s golf,” he said, per ESPN. “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.”

Woods’ DUI arrest resulted in charges of driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a blood alcohol level (BAL) test after law enforcement said his vehicle collided with another while he drove impaired.

Woods released his statement after entering a plea of not guilty, waiving his right to an arraignment and demanding a trial with a jury Tuesday.

“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods said in a statement posted on social media. 

Tiger Woods playing a golf shot on the ninth hole at Augusta National Golf Club

Tiger Woods of the United States plays a shot on the ninth hole during the second round of the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2024 in Augusta, Georgia. (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

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“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”

This arrest marked Woods’ second DUI arrest within the last decade. In 2017, he was taken into custody, also in Jupiter Island, after taking prescription drugs and falling asleep behind the wheel of a running car at 3 a.m.


Tiger Woods was ‘hoping to’ play in Masters before shocking DUI arrest, bodycam footage shows


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Bodycam footage of Tiger Woods’ DUI arrest in Jupiter Island, Florida, last Friday showed the 15-time major winner saying he was “hoping to” play in this year’s Masters.

As Woods was sitting in a police vehicle, an officer was talking golf with him, mentioning a putter Woods said he won “14 majors” with.

Then, the officer asked Woods if he planned on playing in the Masters, and he responded, “Hoping to.”

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Tiger Woods was ‘hoping to’ play in Masters before shocking DUI arrest, bodycam footage shows

Tiger Woods was arrested on a DUI charge after a crash in Florida March 27, 2026. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office/AP)

Someone associated with Woods walked up to the group talking and added, “Depends on y’all.”

Woods won’t be playing at Augusta National Golf Club next week for the first major of the season, which Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley confirmed earlier this week after the rollover crash and arrest of the five-time green jacket winner.

“Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being,” Ridley said in a statement. “Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta.”

TIGER WOODS’ TEAMMATE CALLS GOLFER’S DUI ARREST ‘VERY DISTURBING’

There was a chance Woods was trying to play in the Masters, and he clearly had that mindset before his crash.

Woods put out a statement, announcing he is stepping away from golf to “seek treatment” after his DUI arrest, which resulted in charges of driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a blood alcohol level (BAL) test after law enforcement said his vehicle collided with another while he drove impaired.

Woods released the statement after entering a plea of not guilty, waiving his right to an arraignment and demanding a trial with a jury Tuesday.

“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods said in a statement posted on social media. 

Tiger Woods looking on after a golf match at SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens Florida

Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links Golf Club after a match against the Los Angeles Golf Club at SoFi Center March 24, 2026, in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (Adam Glanzman/TGL/TGL Golf via Getty Images)

“I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery. 

“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”

Woods was found with prescription opioids in his pocket, which the bodycam footage showed. Deputies with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office reported observing several signs of impairment after the crash. They noted Woods was “sweating profusely,” his movements appeared “lethargic and slow” and his eyes were “bloodshot and glassy” and “extremely dilated” after he removed his sunglasses.

Deputies conducted field sobriety tests with Woods as he sat on the bumper of a car, and one deputy had her finger in the air as Woods, while hiccupping, tried to follow with his eyes.

This arrest marked Woods’ second DUI arrest within the last decade. In 2017, he was taken into custody, also in Jupiter Island, after taking prescription drugs and falling asleep behind the wheel of a running car at 3 a.m.

Tiger Woods playing a golf shot from the 18th tee at Augusta National Golf Club.

Tiger Woods plays his shot from the 18th tee during the continuation of the first round of the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club April 12, 2024, in Augusta, Ga. (Warren Little/Getty Images)

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Woods was also involved in a 2021 rollover crash that resulted in serious leg injuries and emergency surgeries, which is what he was alluding to during the field sobriety tests.

Woods also signed up for the U.S. Senior Open, according to The Golf League teammate Kevin Kisner, which is scheduled for early July.

Fox News’ Ryan Morik, Paulina Dedaj and Julia Bonavita contributed to this report.

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Florida man accused of shooting door-to-door AT&T salesman he chased through community and threatened to kill



A deranged Florida man allegedly chased down a trio of cell service solicitors while shouting that he was “going to kill” them — and shot at one of them until he was out of bullets.

Reginald McGee, 38, came across a trio of AT&T solicitors trying to reach residents at the Providence Townhomes in Brandon, Florida, after nightfall on Feb. 18.

Reginald McGee, 38, allegedly shot an AT&T salesman who was going door-to-door in his neighborhood. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

McGee allegedly taunted the salespeople, two women and one man, while chasing them down the block, shouting, “Where are you!” and “I’m going to kill you!”, WFLA reported.

He allegedly yanked a gun out of his waistband and shot at the male staffer until his clip was empty, the outlet reported.

The man was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

Surveillance footage obtained by police captured the chilling audio, overlapped with two women’s horrified screams and garbled pleas to stop. At least 10 gunshots were heard, according to the video.

When officers with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene, they found the bloodied victim propped up against the stoop of one townhouse. He was still conscious and able to provide a limited description of the gunman, according to police body camera footage.

Three officers took off running in the general direction they believed the shooter ran. There, they found McGee near his home, splayed flat on the ground with both his hands held up in surrender, according to the video.

McGee allegedly confessed to chasing down three salespeople and threatening to kill them. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

“This was a completely unnecessary escalation that left a man seriously injured simply for doing his job. When a disagreement turns into gunfire, that is a choice, and it is a criminal one. Our deputies acted quickly to take this suspect into custody, giving residents in this neighborhood peace of mind and preventing further harm,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said.

McGee originally tried to plead self-defense, but later admitted to chasing down the spooked salespeople and shooting at them, WFLA reported.

The victim was taken to a nearby hospital and treated for non-life-threatening gunshot wounds in his leg, calf, and foot, police said.

McGee was booked on counts of discharging a firearm in public, aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, and attempted second-degree murder.