AUGUSTA, Ga. — Former Masters champion Gary Participant says he sympathizes with Tiger Woods’ ongoing ache from a number of accidents, however mentioned the 15-time main champion wants to rent a driver and cease driving whereas he takes medicine.
After hitting a ceremonial tee shot earlier than the opening spherical of the ninetieth Masters, the participant informed reporters Thursday that Woods, who was arrested for drunk driving in Florida on March 27, might want to rent a driver.
“Are you able to blame him for taking medication? No, by no means,” the participant mentioned. “He is sleep-deprived. Ought to I blame him for taking one thing to assist him sleep? No, however I do not assume he needs to be driving. It is harmful to drive whereas on that drug. Driving is harmful, identical to your cellphone in a automobile.”
Woods, 50, was formally charged Wednesday with misdemeanor costs of driving beneath the affect and refusing to undergo a chemical or bodily take a look at of breath or urine, in accordance with court docket data. Woods additionally may very well be ticketed for distracted driving, a transferring violation, as a result of he informed police he was his cellphone earlier than he clipped the again of a trailer and flipped the SUV on its facet.
The five-time Masters champion introduced on March 31 that he was stepping away from aggressive golf and his administration position on the PGA Tour to hunt “complete inpatient remedy.”
A choose accepted Woods’ request for remedy exterior america as a result of privateness considerations. Woods is believed to be on the facility after his aircraft landed in Switzerland.
“My coronary heart goes out to him,” the participant mentioned. “There’s nothing worse in life than dwelling in ache day-after-day. I can not consider something worse. I simply hope he can determine all of it out, as a result of he is such an asset to golf and he does a lot for the sport.”
“Do no matter it takes to assist your self and get again,” six-time Masters champion Jack Nicklaus mentioned. “I believe golf wants him and we would like to have him again.”
On Tuesday, prosecutors indicated they plan to subject a subpoena searching for copies of Woods’ prescription drug data stored at Lewis Pharmacy in Palm Seaside, Florida.
Deputies discovered two painkillers in Woods’ pants pocket and mentioned the golfer confirmed indicators of impairment after the accident, in accordance with a Martin County sheriff’s affidavit.
