Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods

From his early days as a child prodigy, Tiger Woods enjoyed a meteoric rise to the top to become one of the greatest golfers of all time. However, his success has not been without pain or controversy.

Early Years

Eldrick Woods was born in Cypress, California, to Earl, a Vietnam veteran, and Kutilda Woods. Although many think of him as African American, Tiger is actually of very diverse heritage: part African American, Chinese, Thai, Native American, and Dutch.

According to his official website, six-month-old Tiger would watch with great interest as his father practiced swinging the golf club. Under the leadership of his father, Tiger began playing [golf] as soon as he could walk, and the precocious tot displayed incredible talent. His skills quickly caught the attention of media outlets, and young Tiger appeared on television and in magazines. At the age of two, he played against legendary comedian Bob Hope during a television appearance.

As an amateur golfer, Tiger was a record setter. Many of his benchmarks are yet to be surpassed. Here is a sample of Tiger Woods' amateur achievements:

  • Appeared in Golf Digest at the age of five
  • Six-time Junior World Golf Champion
  • Youngest U.S. Junior Amateur Champion in history
  • Won three consecutive U.S. Junior titles
  • Won three consecutive U.S. Amateur titles
  • Eisenhower Trophy
  • Walker Cup

Professional Career

Tiger Woods gave up his amateur status in August of 1996. Almost immediately, he became the king of the endorsement deal and the champion of the green. He has had over 70 professional tournament wins, including:

  • Las Vegas Invitational
  • Walt Disney World Classic
  • The Masters
  • Motorola Western Open
  • BellSouth Classic
  • Buick Invitational
  • PGA Championship (54 wins)
  • NEC Invitational
  • The Tour Championship
  • American Express Championship
  • U.S. Open
  • British Open
  • Bay Hill Invitational
  • The Players Championship
  • Dubai Desert Classic

Tiger was the first golfer in history to win the Masters, the PGA tour, the U.S. Open, and the British Open in the same year. He has also competed with the United States national team in the Ryder Cup, the President's Cup, Dunhill Cup, and WGC-World Cup.

His endorsements have included companies as diverse as Nike, General Mills, American Express, and Accenture.

Personal Life

Tiger Woods always managed to fly under-the-radar personally, but that all changed when he started dating Swedish model, Elin Nordegren. Suddenly, Tiger's personal life was grist for the tabloid mill. Persistent rumors of break-ups dogged the pretty pair until their secret wedding on October 5, 2004. The couple wed -- where else? -- on the nineteenth hole of a golf resort. Superstar wedding guests included Oprah, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and Bill Gates. Tiger and Elin will welcome their first child in 2007.Tiger has remained close to his family. It is well-documented that his father was his best friend, mentor, and coach. Throughout Tiger's career, Earl could often be seen at his tournaments, offering support and advice. Tiger suffered a huge personal blow on May 3, 2006, when his beloved father lost the battle with prostate cancer.

Although it has not been as chronicled, Tiger and his mother also share a solid bond. In fact, she makes Tiger a new golf club cover each year. The cover, named Frank, has grown to be a symbol of Tiger and his career, and has even been featured in commercials and parodies.

Controversies

Like many in the limelight, Tiger Woods is no stranger to controversy. During his childhood, many critics alleged that Earl Woods was pushing Tiger too hard in the game, depriving him of his childhood. Some went so far as to say that Earl was trying to play out his dreams through his son. However, both father and son have long maintained that it was Tiger who desired to be a golfer. In fact, Tiger refers to his father as his best friend.

Early in his career, Tiger was the victim of racial slurs and attacks from a fellow golfer during 1997's Master's Tournament. Ironically, Woods himself was accused that same year of making both racist and sexist jokes. A decade later, Woods was accused of being insensitive to those with disabilities when he used the word "spaz" in an interview.

Tiger Woods Trivia

  • At the age of five, Tiger was featured on the television show That's Incredible.
  • He was nicknamed Tiger after a Vietnamese soldier.
  • He met his wife, Elin, when she was working as a nanny for a fellow golfer.
  • He proposed to Elin at a game reserve.
  • He was named Golf Digest Player of the Year for 1991 and 1992.
  • He was the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year in 1996 and 2000.
  • He is one of only two golfers to win 10 championships before the age of 30.
  • He enjoys being on the water and spends time boating, diving, and fishing.