Tiger Woods made a rare public appearance on Tuesday to celebrate his friend, former pro golfer Notah Begay III, five months after his rollover crash in Florida made headlines.
The 50-year-old appeared in a pre-recorded clip sent to his longtime friend to congratulate him on winning the 2026 Payne Stewart Award, and the golfing legend looked almost unrecognizable with gray streaks in his beard and a drawn countenance. He wore a purple polo shirt as he sang Notah's praises and reflected on their decades-long friendship.
Paying tribute
© Golf Channel/X"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.
© Golf Channel/X"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 clip was posted on social media, fans took to the comment section to exclaim over his unrecognizable look, while others came to his defence. "Man, that's sad," wrote one, while another added: "That is not Tiger Woods."
Learn more about Tiger's arrest below...
Another chimed in: "Love you, Tiger!" and a fourth said: "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's legal battle
Tiger was arrested on suspicion of a DUI on March 27 after he rolled his car in an attempt to overtake a truck.
Authorities reportedly noted that he showed some signs of impairment and was lethargic, and they allegedly found two opioid pills in his pocket.
The father of two was charged with driving under the influence and refusal to submit to a urine test, and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He will appear in court on September 8 in relation to the case.
© Getty ImagesTiger announced that he was stepping back from public life after the incident, in a statement posted to X that read: "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.
© TGL Golf via Getty Images"I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time."
Tiger then spent time at a rehab facility in Switzerland and returned in June, and has since flown under the radar.
