Tiger Woods caused a stir with his latest public appearance following his DUI arrest and rehab stay.
While Woods appeared in good spirits in a pre-recorded video honoring golfer Notah Begay at Begay’s Payne Stewart Award ceremony Tuesday, fans took note of Woods’ appearance, with one writing, “Tiger looks a shell of his former self.”
“He looks very different,” another added, as a concerned fan claimed he “looked spaced out.”
Tiger Woods made a virtual appearance at the Payne Stewart Award ceremony on Tuesday. X/GolfChannel
In the video, the athlete honored golfer Notah Begay. X/GolfChannel
Others defended Woods, telling critics that he looked “normal” and “healthy.”
“Clearly sober here. Nice to see,” someone chimed in, as a supporter gushed, “Wow, Tiger looks great.”
In the video, Woods said, “Hey, Notah. It’s been an unbelievable ride with you. You first came into my life when I was 11 years old, playing in the Junior World and you came to watch me play. Our friendship has started there and never ended.”
Woods (seen above on June 23) caused a divide among fans concerned about him since his DUI arrest and rehab stay. Getty Images
While one person claimed the golfer (seen here on June 23) looked like a “shell of his former self,” another claimed he appeared “healthy.” PGA TOUR
Woods, 50, praised Begay’s work on the course for winning “four times on tour” and “playing in the Presidents Cup.”
“But to see what you’ve done off the course and for your local Native American communities, you’ve helped over 80,000 youths and their families, which is absolutely incredible,” the athlete continued.
“I just think more people need to know what you’ve done and how you’ve served and you’ve given back to the tribal lands and what you have done,” Woods added, noting that “there are so many people out there who are struggling in those communities.”
“Wow, Tiger looks great,” another added. Getty Images
Woods was involved in a rollover crash in Florida in March and was arrested for DUI (above). Martin County Sheriff’s Office
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Woods has mostly stayed out of the public eye since he was arrested for driving under the influence after rolling over his car in Jupiter Island, Florida, in March.
Officers claimed he showed “signs of impairment” and refused to take a urinary test. They also noted that he blew a negative breathalyzer test.
However, “two white pills” were found in Woods’ pocket, identified as the narcotic pain reliever hydrocodone.
Woods pleaded not guilty to the charges against him on March 31, and flew to a rehab facility in Switzerland on April 3, where he stayed on and off until mid-June.
Officers claimed he showed signs of impairment.
Woods (seen above in a mug shot) pleaded not guilty. Martin County Sheriffs Department / BACKGRID
Following his rehab stay, an insider told People that Woods was under a “great deal of stress.”
“I don’t know when it will be or how he will do it, but Tiger is determined to return [to golf],” the source said. “He has to get his pain management going in the right direction and also be able to continue a fitness routine, which will help him do the best he can when seriously playing golf. This could be tough. But it’s something he wants.”
Additionally, Woods has stayed in contact with his girlfriend, Vanessa Trump, who revealed her breast cancer diagnosis in May.