Sir Nick Faldo has demanded that Tiger Woods face proper consequences following the American's recent drink-driving charge after a car crash last week.
The 68-year-old British golf legend delivered a scathing critique of both the 15-time major champion and the sporting authorities he believes have protected Woods throughout his career.
Faldo insisted the situation requires more than simply allowing Woods to retreat temporarily before resuming normal activities.
"The bottom line is that I really think that this is a serious issue and something should be done that is a little bit more than waving him off to a tropical island and saying 'welcome back' in three or four months or whatever it might be," Faldo stated.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
The six-time major winner took particular aim at the PGA Tour's response, which extended full support to Woods without any criticism despite the golfer declining to provide a urine sample at the scene.
"I look at the PGA Tour statement, it was so predictably weak. The Tour will look after him, as they always have done," Faldo said.
While expressing sympathy for Woods's ongoing physical struggles, Faldo maintained the 50-year-old bears responsibility for his circumstances.
Sir Nick Faldo has demanded that Tiger Woods face proper consequences following the American's recent drink-driving charge after a car crash last week
|Martin County Sheriff's Office
"I feel sorry for Tiger, he's living 24/7 in pain. I asked him that years ago, even before the LA accident [in 2021], but it's all been self-inflicted," he remarked.
"There has to be some accountability."
Police discovered two powerful hydrocodone tablets in Woods's pocket following the incident, with officers noting visible signs of impairment.
Tiger Woods was put under a blanket after his arrest
|Martin County Sheriff's Office
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Tiger Woods pictured in his mugshot | GETTYThe circumstances bear striking similarities to a 2017 episode when Woods was arrested after being discovered unconscious behind the wheel of his vehicle.
Toxicology results from that earlier incident revealed multiple painkilling drugs in his system.
Disturbing footage has since emerged from the aftermath of last week's crash, apparently showing the 50-year-old drifting off to sleep whilst seated in the rear of a police vehicle.
Woods has opted to contest the current charge, requesting a jury trial to challenge the DUI allegation.
Faldo drew comparisons with how such behaviour would be treated in other professions and sporting codes.
Tiger Woods pictured in bodycam footage
|Martin County Sheriff's Office
"You compare it to other sports or business. If you were done for DUI a couple of times in your business, what happens?" he questioned.
The former world number one expressed concern that Woods would simply disappear briefly before returning without meaningful repercussions.
"I've got a feeling that this will all if he disappears and comes back in a couple of months, everything will carry on as normal. I'm not sure if that is right," Faldo added.
"It's not a good message to the kids of today."