The 2026 Masters will be missing a familiar face. Five-time champion Tiger Woods officially withdrew from the tournament on March 31, just days after a car crash near his Florida home led to his arrest for driving under the influence.

The incident has cast a shadow over the golf world, prompting two of the sport's greatest legends to share their thoughts. During the first round at Augusta National, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player spoke publicly for the first time about Woods's situation, offering a mix of sympathy and sober advice.

Gary Player, who hit the ceremonial opening tee shot, expressed deep empathy for Woods's well-documented battles with pain and injury. "My heart goes out for him," Player said, addressing the reports that Woods had taken medication. "Do I blame him for taking medicine? Hell, no. He has sleep deprivation. Do I blame him for taking something to help him sleep? No."

However, the nine-time major champion was unequivocal about the responsibility that comes with medication. "I don't think he should drive a car," Player stated. "When you're taking that medicine, it's dangerous... same as it's dangerous when you look at your cellphone in the car." His pointed advice for the 15-time major winner was simple: hire a chauffeur.

The comments from Nicklaus and Player underscore a difficult moment for one of golf's most iconic figures. As the sport's past and present collide at Augusta, the focus remains on Woods's health and future, with his peers hoping for a positive path forward.