Who is Tiger Woods?
Tiger Woods is one of the most iconic and influential golfers in the history of the sport. Known for his incredible precision, mental toughness, and trailblazing success, Woods redefined golf for a new generation and became a global sports legend. This comprehensive biography explores his early life, rise to fame, historic career achievements, personal challenges, net worth, and lasting legacy.
Early Life and Background
Born Eldrick Tont Woods on December 30, 1975, in Cypress, California, Tiger Woods was introduced to golf before he could walk. His father, Earl Woods, a retired U.S. Army officer and passionate amateur golfer, recognized his son’s talent early on. Tiger was a child prodigy, appearing on television shows like The Mike Douglas Show at the age of two. By age five, he was featured in Golf Digest, and by eight, he was consistently winning junior tournaments. Woods is of mixed heritage; African American, Thai, Chinese, Native American, and Dutch, which made his dominance in a traditionally white-dominated sport even more impactful.
College and Amateur Career
Tiger attended Stanford University, where he played collegiate golf for two years. During his time there, he won several prestigious amateur titles, including three consecutive U.S. Amateur Championships from 1994 to 1996, an unbroken record. In 1996, he left Stanford and turned professional, instantly attracting attention with his famous catchphrase: “Hello, world.”
Professional Breakthrough and Career Highlights
Woods turned pro in August 1996 and signed multimillion-dollar endorsement deals with Nike and Titleist. Less than a year later, he won his first major; the 1997 Masters Tournament by a record-breaking 12 strokes at the age of 21. This victory made him the youngest Masters champion ever and the first African American to win the tournament.
Over the years, Tiger Woods amassed an incredible number of titles:
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82 PGA Tour wins (tied with Sam Snead for the most in history)
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15 Major Championships, including 5 Masters, 4 PGA Championships, 3 U.S. Opens, and 3 Open Championships
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11-time PGA Player of the Year
In 2000–2001, Woods held all four major titles simultaneously, a feat dubbed the Tiger Slam.
Relationships and Challenges
Tiger’s career wasn’t without setbacks. In 2009, a personal scandal involving extramarital affairs led to the unraveling of his marriage to Elin Nordegren and a major drop in his public image. After their divorce in 2010, Tiger Woods as been in a couple of relationships with a few other women, but in 2025, he’s dating Vanessa Trump. Injuries further plagued his career, with multiple back surgeries and knee issues forcing him out of action for long periods. Despite the adversity, Tiger Woods staged one of the greatest comebacks in sports history by winning the 2019 Masters Tournament, his first major in 11 years. This emotional victory captivated fans worldwide and solidified his legacy as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Tiger Woods’ Net Worth and Endorsements
As of 2025, Tiger Woods’ net worth is estimated to be over $1.3 billion according to Forbes, making him one of the richest athletes in the world. His wealth comes not just from tournament winnings but also from lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Nike, Rolex, TaylorMade, Bridgestone, and Monster Energy. He also owns a golf course design company and has invested in various businesses.
Tiger Woods didn’t just dominate golf, he transformed it. His influence brought diversity to the sport, inspired millions of young athletes, and significantly increased global interest and TV ratings in golf. The “Tiger Effect” is credited with boosting golf’s popularity, sponsorships, and prize money during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Woods has also contributed to numerous charitable causes through the TGR Foundation, which provides educational opportunities for underserved youth.