Tiger Woods found himself at the centre of an unexpected controversy during Tuesday's TGL match, after using a questionable nickname for his new teammate, rising PGA Tour star Akshay Bhatia.
The 'Ashtray' Remark That Divided Viewers
Speaking to ESPN's Scott Van Pelt ahead of his team Jupiter Links' 8-3 defeat to New York Golf Club, Woods introduced the 23-year-old Bhatia. "We have got Ashtray, Akshay, as part of our team," the 15-time major champion said. The apparent play on Bhatia's first name immediately caught the attention of viewers at the tech-infused league's SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Reaction on social media platform X was swift and divided. Many were left questioning whether it was a simple verbal blunder or an intentional, if ill-advised, joke. "Genuinely cannot tell if he was trying to make a joke or not," wrote one user. Another asked pointedly, "Is he alright?"
Others, however, interpreted it as Bhatia receiving the ultimate seal of approval from a golfing icon. "Once Tiger gives you a nickname, that's your nickname," argued one fan. A different viewer predicted the name would stick, writing, "Hilarious mix up now it’s a nickname," while another added, "Poor Ashtray is gonna hear this yelled at him forever."
Bhatia's Promising Career and LIV Snub
The incident overshadowed what was a significant debut for Akshay Bhatia. The young American, born in Northridge, California to Indian parents, turned professional as a teenager, forgoing college. He already has two PGA Tour victories and impressed with a third-place finish at The Players Championship last year.
Bhatia joined Woods' TGL side as a stand-in while the legend recovers from his latest back surgery. In a notable career decision, the 23-year-old is reported to have snubbed a lucrative offer from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit to align himself with Woods' new tech-forward venture.
Woods Provides Cautious Update on Injury Comeback
During the same ESPN interview, Woods provided a detailed, if measured, update on his own physical condition. The 50-year-old is recovering from a seventh back procedure, which he underwent in the autumn, and has not played a full four-round tournament since the 2024 Masters.
"I've been cleared to hit, basically, hit short irons and mid irons," Woods revealed. He emphasised that he has not yet progressed to hitting drivers and acknowledged the long road ahead. "Whenever that time comes... I will have been away from the game for a year and a half, so I'm gonna be pretty rusty."
Woods admitted this recovery has required more patience than previous operations, citing his age. "I get sore faster, I guess, because I'm 50. And that happens." His last professional appearance was at the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon, where he missed the cut.
While his team's performance on the night was disappointing—Woods likened them to the 'Bad News Bears'—the focus remained firmly on his unusual choice of words for his promising new teammate, ensuring the TGL's innovative format wasn't the only talking point.
