AUGUSTA, Ga. — Previous Masters victor Gary Player articulated compassion for Tiger Woods’ persistent discomfort stemming from various ailments, but asserted that the 15-time major title-holder ought to engage a chauffeur and discontinue operating automobiles while under the influence of medication.
Addressing journalists Thursday, after striking an honorary opening shot before the initial stage of the 90th Masters, Player stated Woods should employ a personal driver subsequent to his detention for impaired driving in Florida on March 27.
“Do I hold him accountable for ingesting medication? Absolutely not,” Player remarked. “He experiences insufficient rest. Do I fault him for taking something to aid his slumber? No. However, I believe he ought not to operate a car. When one is consuming those drugs, it’s hazardous to be piloting a vehicle, just as perilous as glancing at your mobile device while in the car.”
Woods, aged 51, was officially indicted Wednesday on a misdemeanor charge of impaired driving and for declining to undergo a forensic or bodily examination of his respiratory or excretory samples, according to judicial documents. Woods is additionally confronted with a citation for inattentive vehicle operation, a traffic infraction, after he disclosed to law enforcement that he was viewing his cellphone before he grazed the rear of a towed vehicle, causing his sport utility vehicle to overturn onto its side.
The five-time Masters victor declared on March 31 his withdrawal from professional tournaments and his managerial duties with the PGA Tour, to pursue “extensive residential therapy.”
A magistrate sanctioned Woods’ petition to undergo care overseas due to confidentiality worries. It is thought that Woods is situated at a clinic in Switzerland, following his aircraft’s arrival there.
“I commiserate with his plight,” Player expressed. “There exists no greater hardship than enduring constant agony daily. It’s unimaginable to conceive of a more dire situation. I merely hope he can resolve his issues, as he serves as such a valuable contribution to golf and has profoundly impacted the sport.”
Jack Nicklaus, the six-time Masters champion, commented: “Simply whatever assistance you require for recovery and return, because I believe the sport of golf requires his presence, and we eagerly anticipate his return.”
Earlier this week, prosecutors signaled their intention to serve a subpoena requesting duplicates of Woods’ pharmaceutical dispensing history maintained by Lewis Pharmacy in Palm Beach, Florida.
A Martin County Sheriff’s sworn statement indicated officers discovered a pair of analgesic tablets in Woods’ trouser compartment, and that the athlete displayed symptoms of being compromised subsequent to the collision.