“You’re a 47-year-old 'girl dad’” – Tiger Woods continues to face flak online over tampon controversy at Genesis
Tiger Woods was slammed for his bizarre prank on Justin Thomas at the 2023 Genesis Invitational. Fans branded him as being childish after his actions.
The 15-time major champion came under public scrutiny after he was captured passing a tampon to Justin Thomas after taking the lead over him on the ninth hole.
Woods returned to compete after seven months in an official tournament and got into hot water for his prank. The two friends were walking on the greens when Woods slipped a female hygienic product into his hands.
Thomas accepted the surprise gift and soon realized what it was, so he dropped it while Woods burst out in laughter.
Fans fumed, calling him a misogynist:
"Call me woke. Call me a snowflake. Call me 'offended'. Whatever. But handing another male golfer a tampon is objectively not funny. It shows the sophistication of a 14-year-old schoolboy."
Another wrote:
"See, it's funny because feminine hygiene products are INHERENTLY emasculating, so when a man makes another man touch a tampon, he's saying 'I am a bigger and better man than you, because, GROSS, I made you touch a wrapped Tampax!'."
People even reminded him that he is the dad of a young girl.
"Really, Tiger? You’re a 47-year-old 'girl dad’ who still pulls juvenile and sexist tampon pranks like an immature schoolboy?"
Tiger Woods issues an apology
The tampon controversy became an overnight sensation with fans constantly slamming Tiger Woods. Looking into the seriousness of the matter, Woods released an apology for his actions. He said:
"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 15-time major champion said he was sorry for what was meant to be "fun and games" between friends.
Michael Johnson also slammed Tiger Woods and tweeted:
“Apology starting with “If I offended anyone” is no apology. But this is Tiger. Never been a leader and he’s Teflon. Still heralded after all the mistakes so he’s learned nothing. Media focus always on miraculous recovery. Never why the need for recovery."
Although most people slammed Tiger Woods, the 'world's sexiest woman' Paige Spiranac came forward to support Woods and said she would 'riot' with people if anyone tried to cancel Woods.
"If anyone tries to cancel Tiger over this we riot. It’s funny."
She previously commented:
"I need a LIV vs PGA tour Ryder cup type event just so Tiger can give Phil a tampon after out driving him."
The 2023 Genesis Invitational is scheduled to take place from February 16 and will continue till February 19. Woods started surprisingly well, however on the second day he slipped to T61 position.