Australian golfer Jason Day has expressed sympathy for Tiger Woods’ current difficulties, while also criticizing the legendary golfer’s “selfish” decision to drive under the influence.

Woods reportedly entered rehab in Switzerland following his arrest on March 27, after crashing his vehicle near his residence on Jupiter Island, Florida.

As the five-time Masters champion misses the season’s first major tournament, his absence remains a significant topic of discussion. Day shared his perspective on his “hero” Woods after completing a practice round on Monday (Tuesday AEDT).

“He’s not exempt from struggles just because he’s exceptional at golf,” Day remarked. “After undergoing 25 to 30 surgeries, the recovery process can be quite painful.”

Day continued, “I’ve had surgeries myself and generally try to avoid painkillers because I understand their potential risks.”

Jason Day (pictured) has taken aim at Tiger Woods after his golfing hero was arrested for DUI 

The Aussie golfing star (pictured) is set to compete at the US Masters later this week

Woods is pictured during his arrest after rolling his SUV while attempting to overtake another vehicle at high speed

He added, “Ultimately, I see him as just another human being facing challenges like anyone else.”

Day, though, said regardless of how invincible Woods may feel, he should never have gotten behind the wheel.

‘It’s unfortunate. 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,’ the 2011 Masters runner-up said.

‘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.

‘He was my hero – he is my hero. He was my hero growing up. 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 looking on, kind of down on him. Some people want him to fail. Some people obviously want him to succeed.

‘It’s really difficult for me to go through that and watch him, and I know that he’s getting the help now, which is good. I’m just hoping he comes out on the other side and is better.’

Despite having undergone endless rounds of back surgery himself, Day said he could never know what Woods was feeling.

Woods (pictured during his arrest) has experienced several alcohol/medicine-related issues in the last two decades

Woods (pictured in a mug shot) reportedly called Donald Trump after his crash in Florida

‘It is tough. I’ve never dealt with an addiction before, other than golf,’ Day said.

‘I’m pretty addicted to that. But it must be tough to be isolated the way he is normally. He stays at home pretty much most of the time, doesn’t really get out too much just because of how popular he is as a person.

‘He’s human and we all make mistakes. That’s just part of learning and getting better, and I’m hoping that he gets the help that he needs and that he comes out stronger and better on the other side because, like golf misses him. We miss him here this week.

‘It’s always better when he’s playing golf tournaments because we love having him around, so it’s a little bit sad to not have him here this week.’

Woods’ latest car crash and rehab stint has left Jack Nicklaus concerned over the golf icon’s painkiller use, believing he is ‘too far down the line’.

The golfing legend has announced that he is stepping away from the game to focus on his health and recovery after flipping his SUV.

Nicklaus didn’t hold back as he expressed his alarm at Woods’ condition, while insisting that he supported the embattled 15-time major winner, who is believed to have travelled to Zurich, Switzerland to check in to an ultra-private rehab facility.

Woods is also believed to have called President Donald Trump in the moments after his shocking car crash in Florida.