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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.”
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, 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.”
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.
