Golf icon Gary Player has expressed sympathy for Tiger Woods’ use of painkillers to cope with ongoing discomfort from multiple operations, though he insists the renowned golfer should avoid operating a vehicle. Woods faced arrest on March 27 for suspected impaired driving after his vehicle collided with a trailer and overturned on a neighborhood road. Officials in Florida noted his impairment and discovered two prescription pain relievers in his possession. He declined a urine analysis and spent a short time in custody.
During a discussion on Thursday, Player remarked that people are quick to judge without considering Woods’ severe, long-term suffering. He emphasized that he does not fault Woods for seeking relief from pain or insomnia through medication. However, Player stressed the risks of driving under such influences, comparing it to the dangers of using a mobile phone while at the wheel.
The 90-year-old, who participated in the ceremonial opening shots at the Masters’ first round, shared that he has stopped driving personally despite maintaining sharp reflexes, opting instead for a driver.
Player suggested Woods adopt a similar approach by hiring a chauffeur to ensure safety.
Woods, who has claimed victory at the Masters five times, recently announced he would skip the event at Augusta National for the second consecutive year to focus on treatment at an international facility and pursue full recovery.
This statement followed his not guilty plea to charges related to the driving incident.
Over the past 14 years, Woods has endured extensive medical procedures, including knee reconstruction in 2008, four spinal operations between 2014 and 2017, a prior 2017 arrest involving a problematic combination of pain medications that caused him to doze off in a stationary but running car, injuries from a 2021 high-speed crash in Los Angeles that severely damaged his right leg and ankle, Achilles tendon repair, and another back surgery last year.
Player conveyed compassion, noting the torment of constant pain and hoping Woods can resolve his issues, given his significant contributions to golf.
Sympathy for Woods has been widespread at Augusta National, though several players, including Jason Day, echoed Player’s view that driving in his condition was irresponsible.
Day described Woods as a typical person facing challenges and lamented the potential harm to others from such actions. As a former top-ranked player and admirer of Woods, Day expressed difficulty in witnessing his idol’s struggles under public scrutiny, while wishing for a positive outcome from his current treatment.
