Tiger Woods‘s car crash and subsequent arrest have sent shockwaves through professional golf once again. And with that came staunch criticism. First, Brandel Chamblee suggested Woods should stop playing. Then Stephen A. Smith hinted the veteran golfer had an addiction problem. Now, former PGA Tour pro Mark Lye says Tiger should be stripped of a PGA Tour honor, and the accident would have a distressing impact on his children.

“First domino should be to take Tiger’s name off LA Open Genesis (Genesis Invitational)…not a good look. Next, the Hero [World Challenge]. As a former player myself, as well as a broadcaster, I couldn’t even show my face again. His kids will suffer as well, shameful and selfish,” Mark Lye wrote in an X post.

Tiger Woods has hosted the Genesis Invitational since 2020, in the footsteps of Jack Nicklaus (Memorial Tournament at ) and Arnold Palmer (Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill). He has also hosted the Hero World Challenge since its inception in 2000. It benefits his TGR Foundation.

Besides that, Lye, winner of the 1983 Bank of Boston Classic, further said on Fox & Friends Weekend, “I don’t like sugar-coating things, and the way I look at it, there’s got to be some sort of punishment or withdrawal or some sort of suspension from the game.”

This is not the first time Lye has spoken against Tiger Woods. In 2024, probed on whether there was a belief among pros that Woods was using steroids, Lye dropped a bombshell.

“Yes, that is. It is except for the people in Tiger’s corner. ‘You better shut up about it.’ Nobody ever gone out like that,” Lye said. “Nobody’s ever said that like I’m saying it right now. There’s just no doubt. And I would say about 80 or 90% of the people out there know something ain’t right.”

Drug abuse allegations against Tiger Woods aren’t anything new. In 2015, PGA Tour pro Dan Olsen hinted that the veteran was in a month-long suspension after failing the PGA Tour’s drug test. Woods’s then-agent, Mark Steinberg, and the PGA Tour denied the allegations. Olsen eventually retracted the statement.

Just a year prior, a book titled Blood Sport revealed that controversial Dr. Anthony Galea visited the 15-time major winner at his Florida home at least 14 times between January and August 2009. Woods was recovering from his knee injury at the 2008 U.S. Open. Galea pleaded guilty to bringing unapproved drugs, including human growth hormone, to the United States two years later.

The high-profile case included various athletes. Woods said he received treatments from Galea but never receieved performance enhancing drugs. Regardless, the ghost of drug abuse continues to chase the 15-time major champion like an apparition of Hamlet’s father. Little wonder Woods’s latest fiasco has brought that into sharp focus again.

Woods got arrested when his Land Rover hit a truck pulling a small pressure‑cleaning trailer and rolled over on its side. While Woods’s breathalyzer test showed 0%, he refused a urine test. Tiger Woods was released on bail at around 11:15 pm and was seen leaving the station in the passenger seat of an SUV.

Lye is a retired pro himself and has played on the PGA Tour for multiple years. He had 506 starts on the PGA Tour and made the cut in 332 of them. He was also the champion at the 1983 Bank of Boston Classic, where he carded rounds of 69-69-71-64 to finish 11-under and win the event.

He is asking for severe punishment for Tiger Woods because of the influence he carries as one of the biggest golf icons. The fact that this was not his first DUI incident also plays a vital role. In May 2017, Woods was found asleep behind the wheel. He was arrested on suspicion of DUI in Jupiter, Florida. The toxicology report showed the presence of five prescription drugs in his system. The Big Cat pleaded guilty to reckless driving, paid a fine of $250, and took a 12‑month diversion program. However, no further action was taken against him.

Now, the PGA Tour does have rules to act on matters like these. Its member handbook policy prohibits members from violating alcohol or behavior rules. However, since this was an off-course incident, things are a little different. But it does not mean there’s nothing the PGA Tour can do about it.

Still, while Mark Lye is calling for punishment for Tiger Woods, many others have shown him support during these challenging times.

Anthony Kim shared a supportive message for Tiger Woods

Anthony Kim is someone who has faced the challenges of addiction and has come back stronger. After a 12-year hiatus because of mental health challenges related to addiction, Kim made a comeback to LIV Golf in 2024. Then, he got relegated in 2025 and returned to the roster by winning the LIV Golf Promotions 2026.

As someone who has faced and fought these challenges, Kim shared a heartfelt message for Tiger Woods.

“Dunno wat @tigerwoods is dealin w [with] & it isn’t my business. As some1 [someone] who has & will always deal w [with] my own issues like every other human I pray the man who positively influenced my life and millions of others overcomes wat he is going thru [through]. Trust GOD 1% BETTER SOBER is DOPE🔥,” Kim wrote about the Tiger Woods incident in an X post.

Anthony Kim also acknowledged that what’s going on with Tiger Woods isn’t his business. However, he just wants to pray for someone who has influenced his and many other people’s lives.

President Donald Trump also commented on the incident.

“I feel so bad. He’s got some difficulties,” Trump said. “There was an accident, that’s all I know. He’s a very close friend of mine. He’s an amazing person, an amazing man, but some difficulties.”

Voices like Anthony Kim and Donald Trump reflect support and empathy for Tiger Woods during a difficult moment. However, the divide in public reaction is becoming increasingly hard to ignore.