Without Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, Masters Loses Two Major Icons
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The absence of Tiger Woods from this year's Masters Tournament hasn't stopped his name from dominating conversations at Augusta National. Amid busy tournament preparations, stories about Woods circulate even far from the fairway.
The five-time Masters Champion is reportedly undergoing treatment outside the United States following a car accident that led to his DUI arrest in Florida on March 27.
Woods later announced he wouldn't compete in the 90th Masters this week. In his statement, the 50-year-old Golfer confirmed he's stepping away from golf to focus on recovery.
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“I'm taking a step back from golf to prioritize my health and work toward long-term recovery,” he stated.
This decision came days after his attorney told Martin County judges his client requires an intensive, personalized medical program away from media scrutiny.
At Augusta, fellow golfers expressed both empathy and concern. Australian golfer Jason Day highlighted the human aspect of Woods' situation.
“It shows the human side - that even someone can struggle with addiction,” Day commented after his practice round.
Woods' legal case originated when his car rear-ended a truck's trailer near his Jupiter, Florida home.
The vehicle flipped, resulting in traffic citations for distracted driving.
Officers discovered two white pills in his pocket later identified as hydrocodone painkillers.
Day openly criticized Woods' choice to drive under such conditions.
“What I don't understand is How selfish it is to drive and endanger others,” he remarked.
Woods' absence also impacts Masters traditions, including the Champions Dinner held without him.
Patrick Reed, 2018 Masters champion, acknowledged the void left by Woods and Phil Mickelson's health-related absence.
“Honestly, without Tiger and Phil here, it hurts golf,” he stated.
“But we want them back healthy and ready to compete,” he added.
Their simultaneous absence marks a rarity - the first time both missed the Masters together in 32 years.
Two-time champion Bubba Watson recalled Woods' emotional 2019 victory, when he urged fellow champions to greet Woods at the 18th green.
“Anyone struggling has my sympathy - I've faced mental battles too. I'll always support him,” Watson shared.
“Just love for him, and hope he returns stronger,” he concluded.
Source: thenationalnews
