NEW YORK — In the hyper-accelerated ecosystem of modern sports media, a fabricated controversy can traverse the globe, ignite fierce cultural debates, and shape public perception before the truth even has a chance to tee off. This week, golf forums, digital tabloids, and social media algorithms were set ablaze by a viral “bombshell” report claiming that 15-time Major champion Tiger Woods had been slapped with a staggering $65,000 fine. The alleged cause? Derogatory, sexist remarks directed at a female rules official during a high-stakes tournament.

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