Woods has been criticised for the joke.
A women’s empowerment group has hit out at Tiger Woods for the ‘misogynistic’ and ‘tone deaf’ tampon joke he made at a PGA Tour Event.
Last week, Woods was caught discreetly slipping his playing partner Thomas a tampon after outdriving him at the Genesis Invitational, in his first tournament appearance in seven months
The Americans were walking off the ninth tee when Thomas started laughing and was seen dropping the tampon on the floor.
The suggestion seemed to be that Thomas was playing like a woman, sparking criticism from many, although two-time major winner Thomas didn’t seem to take offence to the incident.
Yes, Tiger Woods 100% handed Justin Thomas a tampon after he outdrove him. pic.twitter.com/VJbfldyXhw
— Busted Coverage (@bustedcoverage) February 17, 2023
Kara Sugar, the CEO of the Women’s Global Empowerment Fund, has now labelled the joke “misogynistic” and says it is disrespectful to girls and women everywhere.
She told TMZ that the joke implied that periods are “embarrassing or shameful or a sign of weakness.”
Sugar added that it was particularly disappointing to see Woods make a joke like this considering he has a daughter, and that it distracts from the issues surrounding mental health and periods that women face.
Speaking later that day, Woods said the joke “was supposed to be all fun and games” and apologised “if he offended anybody.”
Here’s tiger on his joke with JT: pic.twitter.com/T7wgSzcr78
— claire rogers (@kclairerogers) February 17, 2023
This led to further criticism from many who saw this for the non-apology it was.
In a tweet, legendary US Olympian Michael Johnson said it was “no apology.”
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. https://t.co/nFkgo3xtWo
— Michael Johnson (@MJGold) February 18, 2023
Among those to criticise Woods for the joke were England women’s football team head coach Sarina Wiegman who labelled it “very inappropriate.”
🗣️ "I think it's very inappropriate"
Sarina Wiegman and Alex Greenwood were disappointed with Tiger Woods handing Justin Thomas a tampon during the opening round of the Genesis Invitational. pic.twitter.com/9XhtkXkMEd
— Sky Sports WSL (@SkySportsWSL) February 18, 2023