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How Michael Phelps has helped Tiger Woods through his latest rough patch

September 21, 2017
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Scott Halleran

Michael Phelps will be forever known for his Olympic-record 23 gold medals, but it's two DUIs that still haunt him. Now, it seems he's found a way to use his own trying experiences to help others.

The New York Times' Karen Crouse wrote a fantastic article about how Phelps has been a huge help to fellow Olympic swimmer Grant Hackett getting over his own embarrassing public moment, an alcohol-filled breakdown in Australia in February. The story reveals that Phelps, who has opened up about battling depression, has also become a comforting voice to Tiger Woods as he recovers from arguably his darkest hour.

Woods' DUI arrest on Memorial Day added another layer to his latest injury comeback. The 14-time major champ was found asleep at the wheel at 2:03 a.m. in Jupiter, Fla., and although he had no alcohol in his system, police toxicology reports found a dangerous mix of five different drugs.

"I feel like that's a massive scream for help," Phelps told Crouse.

Woods has received professional help to manage pain medications since, but now he's receiving help of a different kind from Phelps, who, according to Crouse's story, got in touch with Woods through a mutual friend, Notah Begay III. Phelps says his talks with Woods are getting better as the comfort level between the two grows.

“Michael can provide honest and direct feedback, and that’s what athletes of their caliber need the most,” Begay told Crouse.

Perhaps, Phelps and Woods will connect in person at next week's Presidents Cup at Liberty National, where Woods will be an assistant captain. Phelps, an avid golf fan, attended last year's Ryder Cup as well as this year's PGA Championship and Waste Management Phoenix Open.