Getty Image
In case you haven’t heard, Tiger Woods is back on the PGA Tour this week at the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club.
It’s Woods’ first event of the 2022-23 PGA Tour season and his first competitive event in over seven months since the British Open.
The tournament’s organizers were good to their esteemed guest (Woods is also the tournament host) and put him in a comfortable pairing for the first two rounds. He teed off alongside fellow stars Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas, both of whom are close with the 15-time major champion.
McIroy led the way in round one with a 4-under 67, while Thomas followed closely behind at 3-under and 68. But Woods wasn’t too far off. The superstar shot a 2-under 69, capped by three consecutive birdies to finish the round.
Woods’ strong play and even stronger finished turned a lot of heads. But it wasn’t until well after the round that he made headline news.
On the ninth hole, Woods outdrove Thomas after the latter pulled his tee shot into the left rough. Woods, who is known to be an all-time trash talker, then handed something to Thomas as they walked off the tee box.
Tiger Woods had a gift for Justin Thomas after driving it past him on number nine.
(via @GettyImages) pic.twitter.com/HXZEQSAhEU
— Rick Gehman (@RickRunGood) February 17, 2023
As it turns out, Woods handed Thomas a tampon.
Yes, Tiger Woods 100% handed Justin Thomas a tampon after he outdrove him. pic.twitter.com/VJbfldyXhw
— Busted Coverage (@bustedcoverage) February 17, 2023
Thomas, upon realizing what he’d just been handed, immediately tossed it aside. While most people found it to be nothing more that a small jibe between friends, others were less enthused.
It’s unbelievable that Tiger would be so immature & honestly think this is funny. It’s such a lame joke and such a stupid thing for him to do. Why invite criticism and a roasting on social media? It makes you wonder if he’s matured at all from his infidelity scandals.
— Mark Gruber (@Grubes55) February 17, 2023
It's not a private joke doing it in front of millions of viewers. Incredibly immature at best. Not surprised by Tiger, but incredibly disappointed in @JustinThomas34
— jill (@jillntexas) February 17, 2023
Some deemed Woods’ subtle jab sexist and misogynistic. But the prevailing reaction was that of laughter. What’s less funny for Woods is his play in the second round. The 47-year-old is currently even par on the day through eight holes. He sits at 2-under overall and six shots between current leader Keith Mitchell.
Though it does appear he’ll make the cut in his first even back.