Tiger Woods made his return to PGA action in California with a *present* for playing partner and close pal Justin Thomas.
The golf legend is in action at the Genesis Invitational as he makes his latest return to action after two years of injury problems following a serious car accident back in 2021.
The competition marks Woods’ first tour-level event since the Open Championship last year and he was clearly in high spirits as he took to the course with close friends Thomas and Rory McIlroy for round one on Thursday.
After getting the better of Thomas as they teed off on the ninth hole, Woods slipped a little gift into the American’s hand….a tampon.
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Much to Woods’ delight, Thomas took the product off him before throwing it to the floor while the pair moved up the fairway.
TV cameras managed to catch the moment with ‘World’s Sexiest Woman’ Paige Spiranac also lauding the 15-time major winner. “If anyone tries to cancel Tiger over this we riot. It’s funny,” the stunning golf influencer posted on social media.
(Image: Getty Images)
She went on to hype up a potential PGA Tour clash with LIV Golf, with Woods being particularly critical of the Saudi-backed series. And who better to receive a similar gift than high-profile rebel Phil Mickelson, who she has had multiple social media clashes with.
“I need a LIV vs PGA tour Ryder cup type event just so Tiger can give Phil a tampon after out driving him,” Spiranac added.
Former professional golfer Spiranac has long been an admirer of Woods, often showing her support for the American amid a series of off-field issues.
(Image: _paige.renee/Instagram)
She describes meeting Woods as ‘the coolest moment of my life’ and even revealed a series of shots he taught her, in one recent tutorial to her ever-growing fanbase on social media.
Her stardom has seen her amass over 3.7million followers on Instagram, even more than Woods and fellow pro McIlroy, as she regularly provides tips to fans on golf shots and outfits alongside some stunning selfies.
Woods, who is hosting the tournament, was clearly enjoying himself and went on to birdie the final three holes on an impressive return to action. He finished five shots off the lead and remains in contention for the hefty $20m (£16.6m) prize fund.
(Image: Getty Images for ACM)
On his performance, Woods said: “I was trying to calm myself down all day, trying to figure out what the hell I’m doing out here because I haven’t played!
“I happened to actually hit some good shots finally and made a couple of putts. Even though I had a little mishap at 10, I was able to fight back and get it going. It was a nice finish.”
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