Tiger Woods returns in rare video months after DUI arrest and fans raise questions about his changed appearance | International Sports News
Tiger Woods made a rare public appearance Tuesday through a pre-recorded video message for his longtime friend Notah Begay III, who received the 2026 Payne Stewart Award. The 50-year-old golfer has largely stayed out of public view since his March DUI arrest in Florida. His return on video quickly drew attention, with some fans saying he looked different. Woods is due in court on Sept. 8 over the charges linked to the crash.
Tiger Woods sends message to Notah Begay III at Payne Stewart Award
Woods appeared in a video played during the Payne Stewart Award ceremony in Atlanta, where Begay was honored for his work with Native American communities and young people. The PGA Tour said Begay, a four-time PGA Tour winner, was chosen for his character, sportsmanship and charitable work. His NB3 Foundation has reached more than 80,000 Native youth and their families.Woods used the video to look back at a friendship that began when they were young golfers.“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 said.He also praised Begay for the work he has done away from golf, especially for Native American communities.“You’ve done an amazing job. 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 said.He ended the message on a personal note, thanking Begay for being there early in his golf career.“Again, thank you for coming to see me play. Thank you for getting our friendship started and I love you dude.”Golf Channel also shared Woods’ message, describing Begay as his longtime friend and former Stanford teammate.Tiger Woods made a rare appearance through a video message for longtime friend Notah Begay III at the Payne Stewart Award ceremony. While Woods focused on Begay’s work and their long friendship, fans quickly noticed his appearance and shared mixed reactions. Woods, who has stayed mostly out of public view since his March DUI arrest, is scheduled to appear in court September 8.The video was notable because Woods has kept a low profile since his March 27 crash on Jupiter Island, Florida. According to the PGA Tour, his Land Rover struck another vehicle and rolled onto its side. Authorities said Woods showed signs of impairment, while a breath test showed no alcohol in his system. He later refused a urine test.Woods faces two misdemeanor charges: DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. He has pleaded not guilty. Reuters reported that police found two hydrocodone pills in his possession after the crash.The New York Post reported that Woods underwent treatment in Switzerland after the arrest and has stayed away from public view since returning to the United States.His video appearance led some fans to focus less on the message and more on how he looked.“Tiger looks a shell of his former self sadly,” one X user wrote.Another posted, “What’s going on with the big cat? Looks different for sure.”A third fan added, “Geez, Tiger doesn’t look so good.”Others pushed back, saying his appearance did not necessarily mean anything was wrong.Woods’ next major public moment could come in court. Reuters reported that his first in-person court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 8 in Martin County, Florida, after the hearing was postponed several times during the investigation.
