As a young college student growing-up in rural Queensland, Australia Jason Day borrowed a book about Tiger  from his roommate, and it inspired him to improve his golf by practicing in the early morning, at lunWoodsch-time and in the evening.

Day used the book’s reports of Woods’ scores as his benchmark for improvement and as a reachable standard. The young Aussies first big win was at the age of 13 in a 2000 Australian Masters junior event.

Woods’ became Day’s hero and the Aussie got better and better.

Fast forward to 2008 and Day is playing full-time on the PGA Tour and rubbing shoulders with Woods.

They become friends, often seen chatting while playing practice rounds together.

HE WAS MY BOYHOOD HERO …..

Jason Day, like all of us, hoping Tiger @TigerWoods emerges from recent ‘troubles’ better & stronger

And Day adding: “It’s only Monday but he’s already been missed this week“

Read: https://t.co/GLC0Makw3y

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✅ @TOURMISS pic.twitter.com/fwaNIuTiRY

— Fatiha (@TOURMISS) April 6, 2026

Day too went through injury and was sidelined but his absence did not attract the headlines Tiger was generating.

Now as the sports world continues to deal with recent events on a quiet Jupiter Island road, Day shares his views how news of his friend hurts and sharing his ‘hero’ can emerge from all that is going on his life a better person.

“So yeah, in regards to Tiger, it just shows the human element and the human side of someone that is struggling with some sort of an addiction, “ said Day after playing a practice round today (Monday) at Augusta National.

“He’s not immune to it just because he can hit a golf ball really well. He’s had 25 to 30 something surgeries, and when you’re going through that many procedures, it’s painful coming out of those procedures. I’ve had procedures done and I typically try and stay away from all that stuff because I just know that — painkillers, there can potentially be a downfall to it.

“Granted, when I look at that, I look at it and go, he’s just a human being like everyone else and we have struggles. It’s unfortunate, the only thing that I don’t understand is that it’s a little bit selfish of him to drive and put other people in harm’s way, as well.

No missing Jason Day on the first day of official practice 2026 Masters. Image – Getty

“But when you’re the player that he was and how strong-willed he is, he thinks he can do almost anything, and that’s probably why he’s probably driving and a little bit under the influence.

“Tiger was my hero — he’s my hero. He was my hero growing up. The reason why I play golf is because of this tournament and Tiger. It’s hard to see him go through what he’s going through, and especially under the microscope that — it must be hard to be who he is and have everything, everyone look on, kind of down on him.

“Some people want him to fail. Some people obviously want him to succeed. It’s really difficult for me to go through that and watch him, and I know that he’s getting the help now, which is good. I’m just hoping he comes out on the other side and is better.“

Day was asked, and given the horror story of injuries he endured in his own career, if he could act as a role model for his friend.

“I think the biggest thing is just to make sure that the friendship is still there. People out here do support him and want him to kind of get through this,“ said Day.

“It is tough. I’ve never dealt with an addiction before, other than golf. I’m pretty addicted to that. But it must be tough to be isolated the way he is normally. He stays at home pretty much most of the time, doesn’t really get out too much just because of how popular he is as a person, and then when you’re at home, it’s just difficult.

“Sometimes you don’t have people around, loving people around enough to be able to steer you in the direction that you need to.

“Like I said before, he’s human, and we all make mistakes. That’s just part of learning and getting better, and I’m hoping that he gets the help that he needs and that he comes out stronger and better on the other side because, like golf misses him.

“We miss him here this week. It’s always better when he’s playing golf tournaments because we love having him around, so it’s a little bit sad to not have him here this week.“

Very well said, Jason.