The Masters: Tiger Woods' former coach makes sad prediction about golf icon

Tiger Woods' former golf coach Butch Harmon believes we have likely seen the last competitive appearance of the 15-time major champion. 

Woods, 50, is a notable absentee from this week's Masters Tournament at Augusta National. 

Last month, Woods was ramping up preparations to make his 27th appearance in the major and first competitive start since the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon. 

But he ruled himself out after he was involved in another car crash on 27 March near his Florida home. 

The American was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, property damage and refusal to submit a lawful test. 

Woods - who has pleaded not guilty through his attorneys - is currently in Switzerland receiving treatment. 

Several Masters hopefuls have been asked about Woods' absence this week and former world number one, Jason Day, appeared to be the only player willing to stick their head above the parapet by criticising his "selfish" behaviour. 

Day, who described Woods as his idol and the reason he plays golf, was not pleased he put himself and others in harm's way by getting behind the wheel. 

Whether or not we have seen the last of Woods remains to be seen. 

But Harmon, who led Woods to eight of his 15 major wins, believes his career is likely now over. 

"I would think so," Harmon told the Sky Sports Golf podcast when asked if Woods' time was up. 

"Now, we learned in 2019 to never say never but at 50 years old it would be hard to come back, and with all of the surgeries that he's had."

No-one was injured during the car crash and Woods was helped out through the passenger side of the vehicle. 

Woods told officers at the scene he had undergone seven back surgeries and 20 operations on his right leg when he was asked to take part in field sobriety tests. 

Harmon was asked if Woods would ever make the trip to Augusta even if he wasn't playing. 

"If you asked me that question ten or 15 years ago, I'd say absolutely not," Harmon added. 

"He's not showing up unless he thinks he can win.

"But that ship has sailed and I think this last problem he's had has proved that. 

"So, I would never say never with Tiger, but I don't see it happening."

What did Jason Day say?

Day, 38, expressed sympathy for Woods but did not mince his words. 

"He was my hero - he is my hero," said Day, who is preparing to take part in the Masters, which starts on Thursday.

"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... it must be hard to be who he is and have everything, everyone look on, kind of down on him.

"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.

"But when you're the player that he was and how strong-willed he is, he thinks he can do almost anything."

He added: "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."

Rory McIlroy pays tribute to Tiger Woods

Reigning Masters champion Rory McIlroy dined with 33 former winners on Tuesday night and Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley. 

According to a report by Golfweek, McIlroy "kept it brief" when he spoke of Woods and Phil Mickelson's absence. 

Tommy Aaron told the publication: "He said that we miss Tiger and that he has to do whatever he has to do to take care of himself."

Sir Nick Faldo revealed on Wednesday that one of the funniest moments of the evening was Jack Nicklaus not realising he was crushing Trevor Immelman's foot with his walking stick.