Tiger Woods has expressed his remorse over a prank that has divided the sporting world, with the 15-time major winner forced to apologise after being condemned by fans. Woods came under fire after playing a prank on good friend Justin Thomas in the first round of the Genesis Invitational.
Woods – making his long-awaited return to the PGA Tour at the Riviera Country Club on Thursday (Friday AEDT) – was paired alongside World No. 7 Thomas and World No. 2 Rory McIlroy for his opening round.
The 15-time major winner produced a late flurry of birdies on the opening day to steal many of the headlines, but it was his prank on Thomas that caused the biggest stir. The 47-year-old had already outdriven his compatriot on more than one occasion when Thomas put his tee shot into the rough, just off the fairway at the ninth.
Sensing his moment to have a laugh at Thomas’ expense, Woods caught up to his rival as they made their way down the ninth fairway, before slipping a tampon packet in the 29-year-old’s hand. Thomas knocked it away as soon as he realised what Woods had slipped into his hand, before both players shared a laugh as they strolled down the ninth.
The incident quickly divided the sporting world, with many supporters claiming it was a sign the competitive Tiger Woods of old was back. Others simply thought it was hilarious that Woods randomly carried a tampon around in his pocket in order to play the prank.
Critics such as Sky Sports presenter Sarah Stirk called it a “crass” and “unacceptable” stunt from Woods, whom she accused of reinforcing sexist stereotypes. While many on social media found it to be harmless fun, others insisisted it did little to lift the stigma around menstruation for women.
