“Really disappointed” - Golf presenter Sarah Stirk slams Tiger Woods over tampon controversy
Sky Sports golf presenter Sarah Stirk criticized Tiger Woods for handing a tampon to Justin Thomas on Thursday. Strik has labeled the ace golfer's actions as 'disappointing and crass'.
The veteran golfer made his return to the PGA Tour after a long hiatus due to injuries. He did well on his first day but more than his game, his "prank" became the talk of the day.
During the ninth hole of the first round, Woods handed a tampon to Thomas after driving the ball longer than him off the tee. Thomas was a bit surprised by this and threw it to the ground, with Woods bursting into laughter.
The act didn't go well with many people, including Stirk, who termed the gesture as 'crass'.
"My overriding feelings are completely surprised and really disappointed," Stiek was quoted by Sky Sports. "I'm a female working in sport, I'm passionate and love the game of golf, and think we are all striving for equality.
"We've all seen the massive inroads everyone is doing promoting women's sport, there is more media exposure, increase in participation levels, we want women sport to be on a level playing field with men," Stirk added.
As per Stirk, although the gesture by Woods was fun, it was quite childish.
"He passed him the tampon and is effectively saying 'look I've outdriven you, you're driving the ball like a woman."
Strik added that the reference was to convey the notion that women are inferior to men. She also posted a tweet to convey her opinion regarding the incident.
"My overriding feeling is that the most recognisable golfer on the planet shouldn’t be handing a tampon to a fellow pro mid-round at a PGA Tour event. I appreciate it was a joke between two mates but the optics don’t look good. That’s my opinion, you are entitled to yours."
While many users came out in support of the renowned presenter, some felt her reaction was unnecessary.
Here's a look at a few of the reactions:
"I agree Sarah, it wasn't a spontaneous gesture, he had to procure it from somewhere, and deliberately take it with him, but why would a grown man think it was funny?"
@SarahSkySports I agree Sarah, it wasn't a spontaneous jesture, he had to procure it from somewhere, and deliberately take it with him, but why would a grown man think it was funny? 🙄🤔
"Carrying a tampon around just waiting for that moment - Embarrassing"
@SarahSkySports Sarah it’s pathetic.
He’s 47 not 14.
A lesser ranked player being caught doing this would be heavily slated and punished.
Oh but it’s Tiger so we just brush it under the carpet.
Carrying a tampon around just waiting for that moment - Embarrassing.
"It must be devastating and so upsetting, a bit like cancer or war, to provoke this tweet. Or, maybe, it’s a joke between two friends and has nothing to do with you, or anyone else."
@SarahSkySports It must be devastating and so upsetting, a bit like cancer or war, to provoke this tweet. Or, maybe, it’s a joke between two friends and has nothing to do with you, or anyone else.
"It's a joke between friends. I don't think the most recognizable golfer on the planet cares what I think, or you think for that matter. He made an apology which was unnecessary in my opinion. Here's an idea....let's get back to discussing the game!"
@SarahSkySports It's a joke between friends. I don't think the most recognizable golfer on the planet cares what I think, or you think for that matter. He made an apology which was unnecessary in my opinion. Here's an idea....let's get back to discussing the game!
Paige Spiranac comes in support of Tiger Woods
Paige Spiranac came in support of Tiger Woods over a tampon row. She posted several tweets in support of the ace golfer.
"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," she 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.
She added that women should share ideas to promote menstrual hygiene rather than being outraged by the incident.
"For example I would have Tampex team up with the PGA tour to run a campaign where they provide free feminine products at golf courses. Most don’t actually have them and during long rounds, it can be a problem for us," she tweeted.