Legacy and controversy! Tiger Woods has chased it throughout his career, and something similar happened at the 2023 Genesis Invitational. After completing his first round at Riviera Golf Course, the 15-time major champion’s fun-intended prank on his close friend landed him in a controversial spot. While walking off the ninth tee, the cameras caught him giving his playing partner, Justin Thomas, a tampon.
Although Woods discreetly gave the tampon, Thomas dropped it on the ground, and both of them left the golf course laughing. However, as soon as the image went viral on social media, Woods had to feel the wrath of fans.
When Tiger Woods’ Return Turned Sour After His Silly Prank
The 15-time major champion returned to golf after around six months of hiatus. Playing in his own hosted tournament, the Genesis Invitational, in February 2023, his untended wit landed him in trouble. Although his prank on Thomas may have suggested a generations-old boy troll—“that you play like a girl.” However, for fans, it was more about disrespecting women in society.
Woods was left with no choice but to apologize. So, after the second round at the 2023 Genesis Invitational, the 15-time major champion said (according to BBC),
It was supposed to be all fun and games and obviously it hasn’t turned out that way. If I offended anybody in any way, shape or form, I’m sorry,” Woods added, “It was not intended to be that way. 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.
Only a day after returning to the game, Tiger Woods found himself in trouble. However, after his apology, he finished T17 on the leaderboard, and fans celebrated his solid comeback. And most importantly, the 15-time major champion has mostly stayed out of controversies since then!
Also Read: Fans Wasted No Time Heckling Scottie Scheffler With Tiger Woods Mugshot Joke At PGA Championship
