"Fun and games" - Tiger Woods apologizes for 'distasteful' prank on Justin Thomas
Tiger Woods apologized for his "off-colour" prank on his best friend Justin Thomas after outdriving him on the ninth hole at the 2023 Genesis Invitational.
Woods pulled a female hygienic product from his pocket and slipped it into Thomas' hand as they walked. Thomas looked at it and laughed before tossing the tampon down. As the picture went viral on the internet, he came under public scrutiny with women finding it offensive and insulting.
The 15-time major champion said he was sorry for what was meant to be "fun and games" between friends.
The 15-time major champion quickly released an apology for his prank and said he didn't mean to hurt anyone's sentiments. It was just a fun prank between two friends.
“It was supposed to be all fun and games and obviously it hasn't turned out that way,” Woods said. “If I offended anybody, it was not the case, it was just friends having fun."
He went on to say:
“As I said, if I offended anybody in any way, shape or form, I'm sorry. It was not intended to be that way. It was just we play pranks on one another all the time and, virally, I think this did not come across that way. But between us it was—it's different.”
The tampon controversy went viral overnight and even superstars reacted to it.
"People should leave Tiger alone" - Fans react to Tiger Woods' apology
The tampon controversy received mixed reactions from fans. Some think it was a joke between two friends, while some found it insulting.
The Golf Digest posted about Tiger Woods' apology on their social media handle with a caption saying:
"The 15-time major champion said he was sorry for what was meant to be "fun and games" between friends."
Fans jumped into the comments section to react:
"People should leave Tiger alone. It was a laugh just between friends. It’s none of our business. Come on now."
@GolfDigest People should leave Tiger alone. It was a laugh just between friends. It’s none of our business. Come on now.
"Why does he have to apologize for this? Man our society sucks now days…."
@GolfDigest Why does he have to apologize for this? Man our society sucks now days….
"Please stop with the apology demands. You don’t like it, root for Phil."
@GolfDigest Please stop with the apology demands. You don’t like it, root for Phil.
"It was private moment between pals, no apology required. Give the woke stuff (or another word begins with S) a break."
@GolfDigest It was private moment between pals, no apology required. Give the woke stuff (or another word begins with S) a break.
"It was hilarious. And I’m a woman.No I’m not offended at all."
@GolfDigest It was hilarious. And I’m a woman.
No I’m not offended at all.
"Let’s leave it at that what is said between friends should remain that regardless if you agree with what was said or not."
@GolfDigest Let’s leave it at that what is said between friends should remain that regardless if you agree with what was said or not
Social media sensation Paige Spiranac also supported Tiger Woods and tweeted:
"It’s interesting to see women outraged by Tiger slipping JT a tampon after out driving him but those same women will quickly tear me down for how I’ve decided to build my business. You can’t pick and choose when to be a feminist."
It’s interesting to see women outraged by Tiger slipping JT a tampon after out driving him but those same women will quickly tear me down for how I’ve decided to build my business. You can’t pick and choose when to be a feminist.
Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas are best friends and are known for their trash talk and funny comments. They always pull each other's legs.
In December, when they competed in the Match, Thomas posted a video teasing Tiger Woods about his defeat.
The Genesis Invitational is underway at Riviera Country Club and will conclude with the finale on Sunday, February 19.