Tiger Woods made a rare public appearance Tuesday to celebrate his longtime friend, former professional golfer Notah Begay III, five months after Woods’s rollover crash in Florida.
The 50-year-old golfer appeared in a prerecorded video message congratulating Begay on receiving the 2026 Payne Stewart Award. Woods looked markedly different, with gray streaks in his beard and a drawn expression, as he wore a purple polo shirt and reflected on their decades-long friendship.
Tiger Woods pays tribute to Notah Begay III
“It’s been an unbelievable ride with you,” he began. “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 started there and never ended.”
“To see what you’ve done off the golf course – I know you’ve won four times on the tour, 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,” he continued.
Woods also praised Begay’s work supporting Native American communities and young people.
“There are so many people out there who are struggling in those communities, and you’re trying to raise the bar to allow them to go on and achieve a lot more in life and have the successes that I think they deserve and you feel they deserve…Thank you for getting our friendship started, and I love you, dude.”
After the video was shared on social media, some fans commented on Woods’s appearance, while others defended the golf legend.
“Man, that’s sad,” wrote one person, while another added: “That is not Tiger Woods.”
Other comments included: “Love you, Tiger!”
A fourth commenter wrote: “How about everyone just understanding what we’re all wrestling/dealing with and that Tiger is like all of us. Remember what we’re wrestling with and have a little humility or, a lot.”
Tiger Woods’s legal battle after Florida crash
Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence on March 27 after rolling his vehicle while attempting to overtake a truck.
Authorities reportedly said Woods showed signs of impairment and appeared lethargic. Two opioid pills were allegedly found in his pocket.
The father of two was charged with driving under the influence and refusing to submit to a urine test. He pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to appear in court on September 8.
Following the arrest, Woods announced that he was stepping back from public life in a statement posted to X.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. 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’ve committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally,” he continued.
“I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”
Woods later spent time at a rehabilitation facility in Switzerland before returning in June. He has largely stayed out of the public eye since then.
