Jack Nicklaus says Tiger Woods 'needs some help' after DUI arrest

• Jack Nicklaus expressed concern for his friend Tiger Woods following Woods' recent DUI arrest.
• Nicklaus stated he believes Woods needs help and that he has been taking painkillers for a long time due to pain.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Jack Nicklaus is concerned for Tiger Woods and hopes his close friend is receiving the help he needs.

Nicklaus said Woods has been taking painkillers for a long 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."

Woods was arrested 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, 86, lives in North Palm Beach and is close to Woods, 50, who lives about 15 miles away in Jupiter Island. Woods' 15 major championships are second to Nicklaus' 18.

"Obviously I feel bad for Tiger," Nicklaus said. "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 attended a First Tee Treasure Coast event on April 2 to announce the acquisition and renovation of The Shores of North River Golf Club in Stuart that Nicklaus will design to be used as a First Tee facility.

The wreck was the second time since 2021 that Woods has been in a crash in which his vehicle rolled over and the second time since 2017 he has been arrested on DUI charges.

Tiger Woods enters written plea of not guilty

Woods entered a written plea of not guilty and waived his arraignment hearing.  A docket sounding is set for May 5 in Martin County. He will not be required to attend his arraignment.

Nicklaus was encouraged by Woods' statement he issued on March 31 in which he said:

“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.”

Tom D'Angelo is a senior sports columnist and reporter for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at [email protected].