Jason Day Calls Tiger Woods 'Selfish' Over DUI Incident Ahead of Masters

Jason Day has delivered a candid assessment of Tiger Woods' recent DUI arrest, calling the golf legend 'a little bit selfish' for driving under the influence and putting others at risk, even as the Australian expressed continued admiration for his childhood hero.

Speaking ahead of the Masters tournament, Day weighed his words carefully when addressing Woods' arrest in Florida last month, balancing criticism of the actions with sympathy for the man who inspired his golf career. The 38-year-old Australian's comments came as the golf world prepared for a Masters tournament notably absent of both Woods and Phil Mickelson for the first time since 1994.

"He was my hero - he is my hero," Day explained, reflecting on Woods' profound influence on his decision to pursue professional golf. "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... it must be hard to be who he is and have everything, everyone look on, kind of down on him."

However, Day was unsparing in his criticism of Woods' decision to drive while impaired. "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 said, highlighting the potential consequences that extend beyond Woods himself.

The arrest affidavit painted a troubling picture of Woods' condition during the traffic stop. According to police reports, the five-time Masters champion was "sweating profusely" with "extremely dilated" pupils and movements described as "lethargic and slow." These details underscore the severity of the situation and support Day's concerns about public safety.

Day's analysis of Woods' mindset offered insight into how the golf legend's extraordinary self-confidence might have contributed to his poor judgment. "When you're the player that he was and how strong-willed he is, he thinks he can do almost anything, and that's probably why he's probably driving and a little bit under the influence," Day observed.

The absence of Woods from this year's Masters represents more than just missing another tournament. The 15-time major champion has not played a major since the 2024 Open Championship and has started only five of the past 16 major tournaments, withdrawing from two of those events. His last victory at Augusta National came in 2019, a triumph that many considered one of the greatest comebacks in sports history.

Woods has also declined the opportunity to serve as United States Ryder Cup captain for next year's matches in Ireland, further indicating the extent of his current struggles both on and off the course. The decision removes him from a role that would have allowed him to remain prominently involved in professional golf while addressing his personal challenges.

Fellow American golfer Harris English joined others in the golf community expressing support for Woods during this difficult period. "He's such a legend in this game, somebody I looked up to," English said. "I know he's going to get through this. He has a big fight ahead of him. He's a fighter - that's what he does."

The concurrent absence of Phil Mickelson, who is stepping away from golf for an extended period due to a family health matter, creates an unprecedented void at Augusta National. Patrick Reed, the 2018 Masters champion, acknowledged the impact on professional golf. "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. "But at the same time, we want them to come back and be healthy and ready to go."

As the Masters proceeds without two of its most iconic figures, the golf world continues to hope for Woods' recovery and eventual return to competition. Day's comments reflect the complex emotions surrounding Woods' situation: disappointment in his actions balanced with enduring respect for his contributions to the sport.