Eldrick Tont “Tiger” Woods is the first African American Professional golfer who started his professional life only at 21. And, he won his first Major championship only eight months later after starting as a pro golfer. Not only this, but Tiger is also the youngest winner of the U.S. Masters. Only at the age of nine, this golf legend promised to his father, Earl, former Lieutenant Colonel, that he would get to the top in his golf profession, and he has proved it. Woods is the most celebrated, wealthiest golfer and one of the most famous athletes all the time. The more surprising fact is that he will inaugurate the World Golf of Fame in 2021.
In this article, you will get information about how old is Tiger Woods and his golf journey to be a successful professional golfer.
Table of Contents
- 1 Personal Life Information
Personal Life Information
|
Full Name |
Eldrick Tont Woods |
|
Nick Name |
Tiger |
|
Born |
December 30, 1975 |
|
Age |
45 years seven months |
|
Birth Place |
Cypress, California |
|
Birth Sign |
Capricorn |
|
Nationality |
United States |
|
Height |
185 cm (6’1”) |
|
Weight |
185 lb (84 kg) |
|
Residence |
Jupiter Island, Florida |
|
Occupation |
Professional Golfer |
|
Net Worth |
$800 million |
|
Marital Status |
Divorced |
|
Children |
2 |
Family Background
Tiger is Earl and Kultida, although he has two half-brothers, Earl Jr. and Kevin, and one half-sister, Royce, from Earl’s first marriage. His mother, Kultida, is Thai, Chinese, and Dutch in origin. His father was a retired lieutenant colonel, a veteran of the Vietnam War, African American, Chinese, and Native American. His middle name ‘Tont’ is a traditional word of Thailand. And the nickname “Tiger” is in honor of his father’s friend, Col. Vuong Dang Phong, who was also famous as ‘Tiger.’ According to his biography, he claims to be a Caucasian with African, Indian, and Asian origins.
Early Life and Amateur Golf Career
Woods started his child golf prodigy with his athlete father, Earl Woods, only at 2. Tiger’s father was a baseball player in his college life at Kansas State University. However, he turned his playing in golf and was a single-digit disabled amateur golfer. As a member of the American Military, Earl had the right to play in the Navy Golf Course, and Tiger also went there with his father and started golf swing training for competitive golf. Besides, he played at par 3 in Heartwell and several municipal or public golf courses in Long Pebble Beach. In 1978, when he was only three, he put against the comedian Bob Hope on The Mike Douglas Show. Only at the age of 5, Woods features in the Golf Digest, and ABC’s “That’s Incredible.’ In the American reality television show.
When he was only seven, he won the golf tournament of under 10 in the section of Drive, Pitch, and Putt at the Nave Golf Course in Cypress, California. In 1984, he broke 80 only at the age of 8 and won The Junior World Golf Championship for the first time. He also won this competition six times, including four consecutive winnings from 1988 to 1991. The more exciting thing is that the 11-year old-son defeated his father, Earl Woods, in a recreational golf tournament. At 13, Tiger participated in his first career Major National Junior Tournament. He started his amateur golf career, Big l, in 1989 and paired with Professional golfer John Daly at the final round. As a teenager, Tiger met Jack Nicklaus for the first time at the Bel-Air Country golf Club in Los Angeles and impressed Jack with his skills and potentials. Woods got the Youngest U.S. Junior Amateur Champion award when he was in Western High School in Anaheim. And he held it up to 2010 after the record score was breaking by Jim Liu.
Moreover, in 1991, he was recognized as the Southern California and Golf Digest Junior Amateur of the year. In 1992, he competed at The PGA Tour event for the first time and got Golf Digest Amateur, Golf World Player, and Golf Week National Amateur of the year. In1994. Tiger won the youngest winner, Trophy of the U.S. Amateur Championship at the TPC at Sawgrass in Florida and held the record until 2008 before breaking by Danny Lee.
College Golf Career
After completing his high school golf career, Tiger enrolled at Stanford University under a golf scholarship in 1994. Then, in September 1994, he won his first collegiate golf event, the 40th Annual William H. Tucker Invitational. The following year 1995, Woods successfully defended The U.S. Amateur at The Newport Country Club in Rhodes Island. In 1995, at 19, Woods participated his first PGA Tour major and The 1995 Masters, where he got the 41st position. Tiger is the first golfer who won three consecutive U.S. Amateur titles and NCAA Individual Golf Championship. He also owned the silver Medal in The Open championship. After two years at Stanford University, he left the college to turn his life into a Professional golfer.
Professional Golf Career
In August 1996, only at 20, Tiger started to participate in the professional tournament to build up a successful golf career. Within a short time, he signed advertising deals with Nike, Inc, and Titleist, the most money-spinning endorsement contracts of golf history. And only after eight months of the opening of pro-life, Woods won his first major on April 13, 1997. With it, he also got the title of the Tournament’s Youngest winner with an all-time record-breaking fashion in golf. After winning the golf major tournament two months, he reached the top position or #1 in the Official World Golf Rankings.
Except for Ben Hogan, Tiger is the only golfer who wins six consecutive PGA Tour events. At the age of 24, Tiger owned The Grand Slam as the youngest golfer. As he did not achieve this award in the same calendar year and got it in the successive year of 2000-2001, this award is known as ‘Tiger slam. Although there have been some ups and downs in his golf career, Woods dominated the golf events that make him one of the golf history legends.
1. Honors
On August 20, 2007, Arnold Schwarzenegger, the California governor, introduced Tiger into the California Hall of Fame. December 5 of that year, Woods was also honored by The California Museum of History, Women and The Arts in Sacramento. In December 2009, The Associated Press named him “Athletes of the Decade” and ‘Associated Press Male Athletes of The Year.’ In May 2019, U.S. President Donald Trump gave Tiger the award “The Presidential Medal Of Freedom.”
2. Endorsements
At the pro-life, Woods signed an endorsement deal with different companies, including General Motors, Titleist, General Mills, Nike Golf, Accenture, and American Express, Inc. In 2000, after signing the deals, Tiger became The World’s most marketable athlete at that time. Not only this, but Nike Golf Brand also became one of the leading Golf Apparel Companies. Woods also receives the percentage from Nike Golf apparel, gears, golf balls, and footwear sales. In the successive years, Woods deals with many golf companies that provide a lot of currency in his pro-career. In 2010, Forbes listed Tiger as the World’s Highest-paid athlete. With this Magazine, The Golf Digest also predicted that Woods passed the billion dollars in earnings. And the more exciting matter is that he held this highest-paid athlete position up to 2017.
Career Achievements
Tiger wins 82 official PGA tour events, including 15 Majors. He is the only American golfer who won all four Majors in a row in the 2000-2001 seasons. Due to the lowest career scoring average and the most career earnings in PGA Tour history, Woods heralded as “The greatest Closer in golf history.” Tiger is one of the legendary golfers who hold the #1 in The World Ranking for the most consecutive and cumulative weeks. Besides, he is one of the five golfers and Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, and Jack Nicklaus, who won all four Major Championships of the golf game in their entire career.
The winning list of the legend golfer, Tiger Woods
|
Events Or Tournaments |
Winning Times |
|
PGA Tour |
82 |
|
European Tour |
41 |
|
Japan Golf Tour |
3 |
|
Asian tour |
2 |
|
PGA Tour of Australasia |
3 |
|
Amateur |
21 |
|
Others |
17 |
Winning List of four Majors
|
Tournament |
1st | 2nd | 3rd | Top-5 | Top-10 | Top-25 | Events |
Cuts Made |
|
Masters Tournament |
5 | 2 | 1 | 12 | 14 | 18 | 22 |
21 |
|
PGA Championship |
4 | 3 | 0 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 20 |
16 |
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 15 | 21 |
17 |
|
|
The Open Championship |
3 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 10 | 15 | 21 |
18 |
|
Totals |
15 | 7 | 4 | 33 | 41 | 59 | 84 |
72 |
Achievements out of golf career
1. TGR Foundation
In 1996, Woods and his father, Earl, established The TGR Foundation for promoting golf among inner-city children. This TWF ( Tiger Woods Foundation) sponsors the National Junior Golf Team in The Junior World Golf Championships, and up to 2010, they employ around 55 golf players for the tournaments. Woods hosts the annual Chevron World Challenge and AT & T National Golf Tournaments, and TWF receives revenues and deposits them. Besides, his TGR foundation arranges charity golf tournaments to support the college and child golfer’s free training camp.
2. Tiger Woods Design
In November 2006, woods announced his golf course designing company Tiger Wood Design. But due to several personal problems and lack of required cash flow, this design company can not run successfully and lose its marketability in 2009 due to its infidelity scandal.
3. Writings
From 1997 to February 2011, Woods wrote a golf instruction column for the magazine Golf Digest. His best-selling golf instruction book, “How I Play Golf,” was published in 2001. And There were 1.5 million copies printed for the first edition. Besides, he published a Memoir, The 1997 Masters: My Story, focused on his first Master win with Lorne Rubenstein’s Co-Author.
Rumors
Before establishing the TGR Foundation, there is information that woods built up a company named ETW Corporation. On that ETW corporation, he kept all official records in the name of Eldrick Tont, where Tiger had no legal existence. Not only this complaint, but some golf companies, like Matthews and his partners, claimed about the violation of trade practice acts in Florida. In late 2017, Tiger engaged in a relationship with restaurant manager Erica Herman. In 2018, Woods celebrated The final round of the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club with his girlfriend. Besides, there was also a scandal of an extramarital affair with a nightclub manager, Rachel Uchitel, in New York City.
Marital Life
On October 5, 2004, Tiger married Elin Nordegren, a formal Swedish model at the Sandy Lane Resort, Barbados, but the couple divorced in 2010. They have one daughter, Sam Alexis Woods, and one son Charlie Axel Woods. Tiger’s 11-years old son, Charlie wood also a fantastic kid golfer. In 2020, he participated in a junior golf tournament for the first time. He won a 9-hole U. S. Kids event at a 3-under-par 33 by only five strokes. Charlie celebrates this winning with Tiger’s girlfriend, Erica Herman, after the final round of the PNC Championship golf competition held at Ritz-Carlton Golf Club. Charlie’s birthday photo had two children with Tiger and his ex-wife Elin Nordegren, except Charlie. It is a mysterious story about these two children.
Woods golf injuries
In 2009, Woods couldn’t participate his charity golf tournament (The Chevron World Challenge) due to injuries. Besides, he had to stay in the hospital bed for a double stress fracture in his leg muscles. He got rid of this leg injury after removing the pressurized disc fragment by pinching on a nerve through a surgical release and return to golf again. Besides, he has suffered from severe orthopedic injuries and got treatment in the Harbor-UCLA Medical center. In early 2021, Tiger experienced a severe car accident where he was the car’s sole occupant in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.
FAQs
How is Tiger Woods doing at the Masters 2023?
During the 2023 Masters tournament held from April 6 to April 9, Tiger Woods, a five-time Masters champion, had to withdraw from the competition due to a persistent back injury before the start of third-round play on Sunday. Despite his injury, Woods managed to make the cut and play for the first 36 holes, finishing at 3-over on Saturday. This allowed him to tie the record held by Gary Player and Fred Couples, cutting for the 23rd consecutive time. However, Woods struggled with pain and had a slow start during the third round on Saturday, recording two bogeys, two double bogeys, and two more bogeys on the front nine. The heavy rain made the conditions challenging. Woods finished the round with two bogeys and a double bogey, ultimately tying for ninth place at nine over for the tournament.
How is Tiger doing at the Masters?
Tiger Woods is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time, with a highly successful career that includes numerous major championships and record-breaking achievements. He has won the Masters tournament five times, in 1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, and 2019.
However, Tiger’s golf career has been affected by injuries and personal challenges in recent years, including a serious car accident in February 2021. As of my knowledge cutoff date of September 2021, Tiger Woods had been recovering from his injuries and it is unclear when or if he will return to professional golf.
Despite these challenges, Tiger Woods’ legacy in the sport of golf is undeniable, and his impact on the game has been significant.
What are the odds Tiger wins the 2023 Masters?
When the 2023 Masters begins at Augusta National Golf Club, Tiger Woods is expected to generate significant interest. Woods has an impressive record at the tournament, having won the green jacket five times, and another win at the Masters 2023 would tie him with Jack Nicklaus for the most Masters victories at six. However, according to the current odds set by Caesars Sportsbook, Tiger Woods is considered a long shot with odds of 60-1 to win the tournament.
Can Tiger still play in the Masters?
Yes, Tiger Woods can still play in the Masters’ tournament if he meets the eligibility criteria for the event. The Masters has a few different qualification categories, including past champions, winners of other major golf tournaments, and players who finish in the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking. As a five-time Masters champion, Tiger Woods would be eligible to play in the tournament for the rest of his career if he chooses to do so, provided that he remains in good standing with the rules and regulations of the event.
However, as he has been dealing with several injuries and health issues in recent years, his participation in any golf tournaments in the future will depend on his physical condition and other personal circumstances.
Does Tiger Woods have a lifetime invitation to the Masters?
Yes, as a five-time Masters champion, Tiger Woods has a lifetime invitation to play in the Masters tournament. The Masters has a policy of extending invitations to all past champions of the tournament, allowing them to compete in the event for the rest of their careers if they choose to do so, as long as they are in good standing with the rules and regulations of the event.
This means that even though Tiger Woods has not won the Masters in recent years, he is still eligible to play in the tournament for as long as he wishes, provided that he remains in good standing with the organizers of the event. However, it is worth noting that Woods’ participation in future Masters tournaments will depend on his physical condition and other personal circumstances.
How long can Tiger play in the majors?
As a professional golfer, there is no specific age limit or time limit on how long Tiger Woods can play in major tournaments. Golfers are eligible to compete in major championships as long as they meet the qualification criteria for the event.
The qualification criteria for each major tournament may vary slightly, but they generally include a combination of factors such as past performance in major tournaments, ranking on professional golf tours, and qualification through other golf tournaments or regional events.
While there is no age limit for golfers to compete in majors, it is worth noting that golf is a physically demanding sport that can take a toll on a player’s body, especially as they get older. Many golfers tend to see a decline in performance as they age, and injuries or health issues can also impact a player’s ability to compete at a high level.
Who was the beer guy at Tiger Woods?
There is a viral video from the 2018 Tour Championship, in which a spectator holding a cup of beer ran up to Tiger Woods and celebrated alongside him as he walked towards the 18th green.
The man’s name is not widely known, but he became an internet sensation and was nicknamed “the beer guy” or “the beer chug guy” by some media outlets. The incident was captured on video by many onlookers and quickly spread across social media, with many people finding the encounter amusing and entertaining.
Despite the unexpected interruption, Woods remained composed and continued his walk to the green, where he received a warm reception from the crowd. The beer guy later became a minor celebrity in his own right and even received free beer for a year from a local brewery as a reward for his impromptu celebration.
Who is better Tiger Woods or Jack Nicklaus?
Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus are two of the greatest golfers of all time, and their achievements and contributions to the sport are legendary. Both players have had remarkable careers and have won numerous titles and awards, making it difficult to say definitively who is better.
Nicklaus is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time, having won a record 18 major championships and a total of 73 PGA Tour victories. He was known for his consistency, mental toughness, and ability to perform under pressure, and his success helped to establish golf as a major sport around the world.
Woods, meanwhile, is widely considered one of the most talented and accomplished golfers in history, with 15 major championships and 82 PGA Tour victories to his name. He revolutionized the sport with his exceptional power and precision, and his success helped to attract a new generation of fans to golf.
While it is difficult to compare the two players directly, many experts and fans believe that Woods had a more dominant peak than Nicklaus, winning four consecutive major championships and completing the “Tiger Slam” in 2000-2001. However, Nicklaus’ longevity and consistency over many decades are also a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport.
In the end, the debate over who is better is likely to continue for years to come, but both players have left an indelible mark on the sport of golf and will be remembered as true legends of the game.
What’s Tiger Woods’s golf course called?
Tiger Woods has designed and built several golf courses over the years, but he does not currently have a course named after him.
One notable golf course project that Woods has been involved with is Bluejack National, a private golf club located in Montgomery, Texas. Woods served as the lead designer for the course, which opened in 2016 and has been well-received by golfers and critics alike.
Woods has also designed other courses around the world, including El Cardonal at Diamante in Mexico, The Oasis Short Course in the Bahamas, and Payne’s Valley Golf Course in Missouri. However, none of these courses are named after Woods himself.
Who is the big cat in golf?
In golf, the “Big Cat” is a nickname for Tiger Woods, one of the most successful and famous professional golfers in history. Woods was given this nickname early in his career due to his impressive physical stature and powerful playing style. He has won numerous major championships and has been widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time.
The nickname “Big Cat” has become synonymous with Woods and is often used by fans, commentators, and fellow golfers as a way to refer to him more informally or affectionately. Woods has faced some challenges and setbacks in recent years due to injuries and personal issues, but he remains one of the most recognizable and popular figures in the world of golf.
What is Tiger Woods’s swing speed?
Tiger Woods is known for his exceptional swing speed, which has been measured at various points in his career. Woods’ swing speed can vary depending on the club he is using and the situation he is in on the course, but his average swing speed is estimated to be around 120 miles per hour (193 kilometers per hour).
During the prime of his career, Woods was known for his incredible power off the tee and his ability to hit the ball long distances with great accuracy. His swing speed was a key factor in his success, allowing him to generate a tremendous amount of clubhead speed and ball speed, which in turn led to longer drives and shorter approach shots.
While Woods has struggled with injuries and personal setbacks in recent years, he remains one of the most talented and accomplished golfers of all time, and his swing speed remains an inspiration and benchmark for many aspiring golfers.
Tiger and Charlie in sync: Like Father Like Son
Final Words
We all know that few legends have no ups and downs in their personal and professional lives. Tiger Woods, considered the World’s Most Successful and Richest American golfer, also has some scandals and rumors. But we overlook his unenthusiastic facts of life because of his more precious golf career that impressed people all over the World. Still, Tiger continues his luxurious golf life by overcoming all of his troubles, including his severe myopic problem, knee injury, also marital issues with his ex-wife Elin Nordegren. Recently, Woods arranges a formal Champions dinner at Augusta National Golf Club for fellow professional golfers due to the delayed tournament because of the COVID-19 issue. We hope he will pass his future with this same prestigious golf career and contribute to golf history.