Tiger needs our help – Nicklaus

Golfing great Jack Nicklaus believes Tiger Woods needs help and support after the former world number one’s arrest this week.

Woods was stopped by police on suspicion of driving under the influence in Florida in the early hours of Monday. Although the 41-year-old tested negative for alcohol, he told police he was taking a mix of prescribed medication.

The 14-time major winner will not play again this season after undergoing a fourth back surgery last month, and Nicklaus has called for support from the golfing community.

“I’m a fan of Tiger’s. I’m a friend of Tiger’s. And I feel bad for him,” said Nicklaus ahead of Thursday’s start of the Memorial Tournament.

“I think that he’s struggling. And I wish him well. I hope he gets out of it, and I hope he plays golf again. He needs a lot of support from a lot of people.

“And I’ll be one of them.

“Obviously I don’t really know what happened, what went on. But I feel bad for Tiger.

“Tiger is a friend. He’s been great for the game of golf. And I think he needs all our help. And we wish him well.”

Woods’ latest surgery has made it more unlikely than ever that he will be able to overtake Nicklaus’ record of 18 majors.

“ As I’ve told Tiger and we’ve talked about it 100 times, does anybody want to see their records be broken? Of course not,” added Nicklaus.

“But do I want to see somebody not have the ability because of physical problems, not to be able to compete to have that chance? I don’t like that at all.”