While Australian Day criticised Woods’ actions, the 38-year-old said he also has sympathy for him.

“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, and that’s probably why he’s probably driving and a little bit under the influence.”

In the arrest affidavit, an officer wrote Woods was “sweating profusely”, his pupils were “extremely dilated” and his movements were “lethargic and slow”.

Five-time Masters champion Woods, whose last victory at Augusta came in 2019, will not be at Augusta National for the season’s first major, and he has also turned down the role of United States Ryder Cup captain next year in Ireland.