It came as no surprise when European Solheim Cup captain Suzanne Pettersen laughed off Tiger Woods’ tampon controversy during the first round at last week’s Genesis Invitational.
The incident came to light when an official accredited tournament photographer snapped Woods trying to slip the tampon into Justin Thomas’ hand, and in what was clearly a joke between good friends.
Though in this super-sensitive era we live where it will soon be an offence to pick your nose in public, Woods found himself being criticised by women working as golf journalists via their social media accounts for his ‘insensitive’ actions that led to him issuing a public apology post his second round at Riviera.
Pettersen, like the greater majority, did not hesitate in saying she could see the funny side of the incident.
“I know Tiger well”, said Pettersen on her appointment as new European Team captain.
“I don’t know Justin Thomas as well, but I know kind of Tiger’s humour and that’s a very probably boyish joke between the two of them and I don’t really take it too personal.
“I think that was supposed to be a gag between the two of them and unfortunately some cameras caught it in the heat of the moment. I don’t know, I don’t think he meant to be offensive in any way.
“I’m pretty easy on stuff like that. I’m sure it was meant as a joke, not as a harassment to women in general.”
Laura Davies, who will serve as a vice-captain to Pettersen at the Solheim Cup, also played down the incident, suggesting that it was clearly an innocent ‘bit of fun between two friends’.
Speaking to Sky News, the four-time major champion winning Davies said: “I think it’s misplaced jokes, a laddy kind of joke. Maybe he misread the situation. I personally am not offended by it.
“People seem to be looking for things to worry about. It’s a shame it happened. We are talking about this rather than them entertaining thousands of people. I’m sure Tiger meant no harm by it. I can’t believe there was any malice in it. It was really poorly judged. I am sure he would regret it if he did it now.
“I think he might want to (apologise) knowing what it’s caused. He will be disappointed that he has been shown to be a bit sexist with what he did. It’s just a bit of fun, it’s just banter on a golf course. When Tiger does it, unfortunately, everything gets magnified.”
Well said ladies.
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