Tiger Woods is receiving a mixed reaction after discreetly giving Justin Thomas a tampon while playing at the Genesis Invitational in California.

Woods was competing alongside Thomas and Rory McIlroy in his competitive return to golf following a seven-month absence.

After the 15-time major champion outdrove Thomas on the ninth hole, he appeared to play a prank on his compatriot.

Woods came alongside Thomas, subtly forcing something into his playing partner’s hand.

Thomas immediately threw the item on the floor, before the pair burst into laughter. The cameras later revealed the item to be a tampon.

Video: Watch Tiger Woods hand Justin Thomas a tampon

What’s been the reaction to Tiger Woods’s tampon prank?

The tampon prank has divided opinion on social media, with many assuming Woods to be suggesting that Thomas was playing like a woman.

Irish rugby player Anna Caplice commented: “If the world generally respected women I would be able to see the funny side of this. But it doesn't. So I don't.”

Another social media user wrote: “This is just not that funny. It’s just a boomer joke and says a lot about Tiger.

“I bet his daughter loves being the butt of his jokes for the way she was born. What a guy.”

Someone else commented: “Call me woke. Call me a snowflake. Call me ‘offended’. Whatever.

“But handing another male golfer a tampon is objectively not funny. It shows the sophistication of a 14 year old schoolboy.”

Others have defended Woods against the criticism, however, with influencer and former professional golf player Paige Spiranac writing: “I need a LIV vs PGA tour Ryder cup type event just so Tiger can give Phil a tampon after out driving him”.

She later added: “If anyone tries to cancel Tiger over this we riot. It’s funny”.

Another Twitter comment read: “Brilliant from Tiger. Even better is that he had it in his pocket for 9 holes before he got it out, anticipation must’ve been unbearable for him.

“Golf is just a better place when Tiger is playing.”

Woods, who was making his first appearance since The Open in July, has not commented publicly on the matter.

The 47-year-old is no stranger to controversy, having been involved in a car crash in November 2009 which eventually led to admissions of infidelity and the breakdown of his marriage.

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