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Jul 11, 2022; St. Andrews, SCT; Rory McIlroy, Lee Trevino, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods during the R&A Celebration of Champions four-hole challenge at the 150th Open Championship golf tournament at St. Andrews Old Course. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports© Rob Schumacher-Imagn Images.

Jack Nicklaus Shares Stance On Tiger Woods After DUI Arrest

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Apr 3, 2026 7:00 PM ET

The legendary Jack Nicklaus has finally offered his thoughts on Tiger Woods' troubling situation.

Woods was arrested last Friday by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office after being involved in a rollover accident. He told the authorities that he was looking down at his phone and changing the radio station before the crash occurred. However, he made a few mistakes during his field sobriety test.

While it's still unclear what kind of consequences Woods will face, he has announced that he'll step out of the spotlight to focus on himself.

“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. 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,” Woods said in a statement shared on social media. “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.”

Nicklaus, an 18-time major champion, has shown support for Woods over the years. Although the latter was arrested on suspicion of DUI, he's not ready to give up on him just yet.

In fact, Nicklaus offered some words of encouragement to Woods this week.

"Sometimes you get, you know, too far down the line and you just need somebody to help you. I think he probably needs some help. And we all want to help him. We're all on his side," Nicklaus told The Palm Beach Post. "Obviously I feel bad for Tiger. 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."

Nick Faldo had a much different take on this situation.

Six-time major winner Nick Faldo wasn't nearly as delicate with his words this week. In fact, he ripped the PGA Tour for its "weak" response to Woods' arrest.

"There are two sides to this right now. There’s one side, let’s care for Tiger, and then there’s got to be a responsibility and accountability side as well. This is a serious thing and issue he’s done. The PGA Tour statement was so predictably weak. And you know how they show that, the Tour will look after him as they always have done," Faldo said, via the Independent.

"As a person, you know, look at his community. We’re not meant to be on the streets with two pills in our pocket. I think the world is divided quite a bit, but the bottom line is, I really think that something (should be done), this is a serious issue. I think something should be done and a little bit more seriously than waving him off to a tropical island and saying, ‘welcome back’ in three or four months."

PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp has already said that Woods has his "full respect and support" at this time.

If Woods decides to make a comeback in the coming months, it wouldn't surprise us if the PGA Tour welcomes him with open arms. For now though, the focus is strictly on the 15-time major champion's health.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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