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Tiger Woods grateful for players’ ‘touching’ post-accident tribute

Australia's Jason Day was among those to join in the tribute for the injured Tiger Woods.

Australia's Jason Day was among those to join in the tribute for the injured Tiger Woods. Photo: Getty

Tiger Woods has expressed his gratitude for the “touching” gesture as players, including Australian Jason Day, wore his signature Sunday red and black in his honour for the final round of their respective tournaments.

Several members of the PGA Tour took to the course at the World Golf Championship event in Florida on Sunday (US time) emulating the wardrobe of Woods – a red shirt and black pants – to honour the golf great, who was seriously injured in a single-car crash.

Australia’s former world No.1 Day was among them wearing the colours at The Concession Golf Club.

Other high-profile players to do the same were Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Tony Finau and Patrick Reed.

“Obviously just paying respect to Tiger,” Day said, when asked about what it was like to play in Woods’ red and black.

“Obviously we hope for the best in wishing him a very quick recovery, just to know that we’re thinking about him.”

Woods, who had previously said he was in “good spirits” after being moved to another hospital in Los Angeles for treatment from multiple injuries sustained in a car accident, said his fellow competitors and fans were aiding in his recovery.

“It is hard to explain how touching today was when I turned on the tv and saw all the red shirts,” Woods tweeted.

“To every golfer and every fan, you are truly helping me get through this tough time.”

It was his first public statement since last week’s high-speed accident.

The tribute extended to the Puerto Rico Open, where the grounds crew wore Woods’ colours.

World Golf Hall of Fame member Annika Sorenstam, who is playing her first LPGA Tour tournament in 13 years at the Gainbridge LPGA in Orlando, did likewise.

And Phil Mickelson, Woods’ longtime rival, donned the colours at the PGA Champions Tour event, the Cologuard Classic, in Tucson, Arizona.

The 45-year-old Woods has 82 career PGA victories, including 15 majors.

His accident shook many of his fellow players, who sent their well wishes.

“At this stage, everyone should just be grateful that he’s here, he’s alive and his kids haven’t lost their dad,” McIlroy said.

“Golf is so far out of the equation right now.”

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