Jackson Reid
Several racial slurs have been made against Tiger Woods during his career. In 1997, Fuzzy Zoeller referred to Woods as a “little boy” and made a joke about Woods serving fried chicken at the Champions Dinner—a reference to racial stereotypes of African Americans. In 2008, Kelly Tilghman laughingly suggested that younger golfers would have to lynch him in a back alley to take him off his perch as the best in the world. More recently, in 2013, Sergio Garcia made a similar fried chicken remark about Woods, for which he later apologized.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Golfer's name | Justin Thomas |
| Nature of the slur | Homophobic |
| Incident | Thomas muttered the slur under his breath after missing a putt |
| Reaction | Thomas apologized for his language and the offence it caused |
| Action taken | Thomas was dropped by sponsors Ralph Lauren |
| Other instances | Fuzzy Zoeller's racial remarks about Tiger Woods, Sergio Garcia's 'fried chicken' remark about Tiger Woods |
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What You'll Learn
Fuzzy Zoeller's racial slur against Tiger Woods
In 1997, Tiger Woods became the first African-American to win a major title at the Masters Tournament. Fuzzy Zoeller, a veteran golfer, made racist remarks about Woods in a post-final round interview. In the interview, Zoeller said:
> "He's doing quite well, pretty impressive. That little boy is driving well and he's putting well. He's doing everything it takes to win. So, you know what you guys do when he gets in here? You pat him on the back and say congratulations and enjoy it and tell him not to serve fried chicken next year. Got it. Or collard greens or whatever the hell they serve."
Zoeller's comments were widely perceived as a racist stereotype. In the wake of the scandal, Zoeller was fired by his sponsor, Kmart, and withdrew from the Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic. He also issued a public apology, claiming that his comments were not intended to be racially derogatory. Woods accepted Zoeller's apology, saying that he knew Zoeller was a "jokester" and believed that no personal animosity toward him was intended.
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Nick Faldo's suggestion to 'gang up' on Tiger Woods
In 2008, Nick Faldo suggested that younger golfers would need to "gang up" on Tiger Woods to surpass him as the best golfer in the world. This comment was made during a broadcast on the Golf Channel with Kelly Tilghman, who infamously responded that they would have to "lynch him in a back alley".
The suggestion to "gang up" on Woods was interpreted as a racially-charged remark, adding to a history of racist comments directed at the golfer. Faldo's comment implied that Woods' success was seen as a threat by other golfers, and that they would need to collectively work to bring him down. While some may argue that Faldo's comment was harmless or taken out of context, it reflects a pattern of racialised discourse surrounding Woods' career.
Faldo's relationship with Woods has been described as "chilly", and Faldo has been open about his dislike for Woods and anyone trying to break his records. In 2015, Faldo attended a fundraiser with Jack Nicklaus, where he made comments about rooting against Jordan Spieth and celebrating Spieth's missed putt. While Faldo claimed his comments were made in jest, they highlight a pattern of behaviour where he appears to take pleasure in the failures of those competing against Woods.
Faldo's friendship with former US President Donald Trump further complicates his image. Faldo has expressed admiration for Trump, and their shared love of golf has built a durable friendship. Trump has prioritised Faldo over Woods on at least one occasion, and their bond includes a history of controversial stunts and jokes.
Overall, Nick Faldo's suggestion to "gang up" on Tiger Woods cannot be viewed in isolation. It forms part of a larger narrative of racialised discourse and complex interpersonal dynamics within the world of professional golf.
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Kelly Tilghman's suggestion to 'lynch' Tiger Woods
During a broadcast on the Golf Channel in January 2008, Golf Channel anchor and analyst Nick Faldo suggested that younger golfers would have to "gang up" on Tiger Woods to take him off his perch as the world's best golfer. Kelly Tilghman, the network's first female anchor, responded that they would have to "lynch him in a back alley".
Tilghman's comment was immediately met with backlash, with civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton calling for her to be fired. However, Tiger Woods, through his agent, accepted her apology, saying that he knew "unequivocally that there was no ill intent in her comments".
The Golf Channel issued a statement expressing regret over Tilghman's comment and suspended her for two weeks. The incident also sparked conversations about the lack of diversity in the golf industry, with critics pointing out the near-absence of Black women on the LGPA Tour and the lack of representation of Black boys and girls on junior circuits.
The "lynching" comment also led to the infamous "noose" cover of Tiger Woods by Golfweek, which was widely criticised for its insensitivity to historical and racial issues.
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Justin Thomas' homophobic slur
In January 2021, golfer Justin Thomas used a homophobic slur during the third round of the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Kapalua, Hawaii. After missing a putt, Thomas was caught on a live mic muttering the slur under his breath.
Thomas later apologized for his language, saying:
> I screwed up. I have to be better. I will be better. I deeply apologize to everybody and anybody who was offended.
He also told the Golf Channel:
> I'm an adult. I'm a grown man, there's absolutely no reason for me to say anything like that. It's terrible. I'm extremely embarrassed. It's not who I am, it's not the kind of person that I am or anything that I do.
Thomas was dropped by sponsors Ralph Lauren, who released a statement saying that Thomas's language was “entirely inconsistent with our brand” and that his actions conflicted with the inclusive culture they strive to uphold.
While the PGA Tour does not make conduct punishments public, it is likely that Thomas was fined for his actions. The PGA Tour released a statement saying that Thomas's comment was “unacceptable”.
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Sergio Garcia's 'fried chicken' remark about Tiger Woods
During the European Tour Players' Awards Dinner in 2013, Sergio Garcia was asked if he would invite Tiger Woods over for dinner during the U.S. Open. Garcia replied, "Oh, we will have him round every night. We will serve fried chicken."
"Fried chicken" is associated with racial stereotypes of African Americans. A similar comment was made by Fuzzy Zoeller in 1997 following Woods' win at the Masters. Zoeller had quipped that fried chicken would be served at the following year's champions' dinner, which Woods would host as defending champion.
Garcia left the awards dinner before he could be questioned but later issued a statement through the European Tour, apologising for any offence caused. He said, "I answered a question that was clearly made towards me as a joke with a silly remark, but in no way was the comment meant in a racist manner."
Garcia and Woods have had a long-standing feud, with Garcia making other comments about Woods, including calling him "not the nicest guy on tour" and a "liar". Woods has not accepted Garcia's apology, responding with a simple "No" when asked if he would.
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Frequently asked questions
Fuzzy Zoeller used racial slurs against Tiger Woods, referring to him as a little boy and making references to fried chicken and collard greens.
1997.
Kmart dropped him as its golf spokesman, and he also pulled out of the Greater Greensboro Classic.
Yes, in 2008, Nick Faldo suggested that younger golfers would have to "gang up" on Tiger Woods, to which Kelly Tilghman responded that they would have to “lynch him in a back alley."
Yes, Justin Thomas used a homophobic slur during the Sentry Tournament of Champions in January 2021. He apologized for his language and the offence caused but was still dropped by one of his sponsors, Ralph Lauren.
