People are ‘running out of patience’ with Tiger Woods after crash, says Paul McGinley
Paul McGinley has said “a lot of people are running out of patience” with Tiger Woods following his latest scandal, after the golfing great was charged with driving under the influence and refusal to submit a test.
Woods entered a not guilty plea in the Florida case, after a sheriff’s report detailed his possession of pain pills and visible signs of impairment at the scene of the crash. He passed a breathalyser test at Martin County Jail, but refused to give a urine sample for analysis.
According to the arrest report released by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Woods exhibited bloodshot and glassy eyes, dilated pupils, and had opioid pills in his pocket when questioned by deputies. His movements were described as slow and lethargic, and he was sweating while speaking to officers, admitting he had taken prescription medication earlier that morning.
Woods reportedly told deputies he had been distracted by his phone and adjusting the radio before his vehicle clipped a truck in front of him.
There have been several controversial driving incidents in Woods’ past, and this latest scandal has brought criticism for potentially putting lives in danger.

“A lot of people are running out of patience now, including himself and his family, by all accounts,” said McGinley, Europe’s 2014 winning Ryder Cup captain. “From what he said yesterday, he realises the seriousness of the situation. And I think it’s a line in the sand.”
Woods had only recently returned to golf after a long layoff, and had set his sights on playing in next week’s Masters. But he issued a statement following the crash saying he needed to step out of the public eye and “seek treatment”.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in,” Woods said in his first public comments since the incident. “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 prioritise 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.”
McGinley believes golf may have indulged Woods’ misdemeanours for too long.
“I think you could say the same about basketball and Michael Jordan, you know? I think when you have a superstar in any sport, of course they’re going to get a bit more leeway.”

After years of injuries, Woods made a miraculous return to win the 2019 Masters, but has not won a golf tournament since.
Asked whether he sees Woods ever returning to compete at the top of the sport, McGinley said: “I don’t think it’s fair to write him off fully, but it’s highly improbable that he wins another tournament again, never mind a major.
“Look how little golf he has played in the last six years, seven years, and when he has played, he hasn’t been on the pace. So it’s quite clear that he’s not able to practise the way he used to.
“He’s past 50 years of age now. I think his future in terms of winning majors will probably be more focused on playing senior events more so than on the main tour. And I think by all accounts, from what I hear and what I understand, the biggest injury that he’s really facing, in terms of the practicalities of playing, are more related around walking on his foot than they are his back issues.
“Looking at the ball speeds that he had at the TGL, they were right on pace with the top players in the game. So it’s quite clear he’s got that. The big question is, can he practise to the same intensity? Clearly he can’t do that. He’s having to rely so heavily on medication in order to do that.
“And then, of course, the marathon in terms of walking that major championships are, indeed, any PGA Tour event is for four rounds. That’s a big, big ask. So I would say it’s highly unlikely that he will win another tournament again.”
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