Tiger Woods received backlash after he handed Justin Thomas a tampon by outgrowing him on Thursday.
The 15-time Grand Slam champion said it was nothing more than a «joke» and that they were «friends having fun».
However, one writer said that Woods had «basic misogyny used to insultThomas, «replicating an old joke that the immature kids at school used to think was funny.» Many others thought it was sexist and demeaning to women.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Paige Spiranac attends the MAXIM Hot 100 Experience in Hyde Beach at SLS South Beach on July 16, 2022 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Aaron Davidson/Getty Images)
By contrast, Paige Spiranac, a former professional golfer turned social media influencer, defends the 47-year-old.
«If anyone tries to cancel Tiger over this, we riot. It’s fun,» Spiranac he tweeted on thursday.
This isn’t Woods’ first controversy. The biggest came in 2009 when it was revealed that he was cheating on his then-wife, Elin Nordegren. However, that did not stop the protest.
But Spirinac, whose self-promotion has drawn criticism for sexualizing women’s golf, put those who are tearing Woods down to a test.
Social media personality Paige Spiranac hits from the sand during the second round of the PGA TOUR Champions Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf at Big Cedar Lodge on April 27, 2019 in Ridgedale, Missouri. (Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)
TIGER WOODS MAKES CUT AT GENESIS INVITATIONAL, HIS FIRST TOURNAMENT SINCE JULY
«It’s interesting to see women outraged that Tiger put JT in a tampon after kicking him out, but those same women will quickly tear me down for how I’ve decided to build my business. You don’t get to choose when to be a feminist.» Spirinac wrote on friday.
Woods noted Friday after his second rounds that the gag had taken a turn.
«It was supposed to be a fun game, but obviously it didn’t turn out that way,» Woods said. «If I offend someone, it wasn’t the case. It was just friends having fun.»
«If I offend someone in any way, shape, or form, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. We make jokes about each other all the time. Virally, I think this didn’t feel that way, but between us, it’s different.» .
Tiger Woods of the United States and Justin Thomas of the United States cross the ninth hole during the first round of the Genesis Invitational at the Riviera Country Club on February 16, 2023 in Pacific Palisades, California. (Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Woods and Thomas shared a laugh and have grown close since the latter turned pro. They were paired during the 2019 Presidents Cup and won both of their team matches.
Woods made the cut at the Genesis Invitational, his first tournament since the Open Championship in July.