Golden Bear Nicklaus voices profound concern for Woods, urging help amidst another DUI arrest and ongoing painkiller use.
The most iconic golfer of his time, Jack Nicklaus, is expressing deep concern for a more modern icon in friend Tiger Woods, going public and urging Woods to seek the help he needs.
Woods was arrested on March 27 after a two-vehicle crash in Jupiter Island and is facing charges of DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. He passed a breath test but refused to submit to a urinalysis.
A search of Woods' pocket found two pills revealed to be hydrocodone, a strong opioid painkiller.
Nicklaus said Woods has been taking painkillers for quite some time and added he does not think he'd be taking them, "if he didn't need them."
"Sometimes you get, you know, too far down the line and you just need somebody to help you," Nicklaus told The Palm Beach Post. "I think he probably needs some help. And we all want to help him.
"We're all on his side."
Unfortunately, all of that advocacy from the golf world hasn't seemed to help Woods, now 50, escape his demons.
This wreck marks the second time since 2021 that Woods has been in a crash in which his vehicle rolled over and it is the second time since 2017 he has been arrested on DUI charges.
Woods entered a written plea of not guilty. A docket sounding is set for May 5 in Florida for Woods, who according to police body cam footage an audio told law enforcement officials that he was on the phone with President Donald Trump.
Woods is dating Trump's granddaughter Kai.
"Obviously, I feel bad for Tiger," said Nicklaus, who is 86 and a neighbor of Woods' in Florida. "I like Tiger. I don't just like him, I like him a lot. He's been taking painkillers for a long time and I don't know how much pain he's in because I just don't know.
"But I don't think he'd be taking them if he didn't need them."
Nicklaus said he is encouraged by Woods' statement, which the superstar golfer released on March 31.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today," Woods wrote. "I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.
“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”