Tiger Woods
After a dominant amateur career, Woods turned professional in August 1996 at age 20. He stunned the golf world in 1997 by winning the Masters by a record 12 strokes, the youngest champion ever, and reached world No. 1 within a year. That victory launched him into global superstardom and reshaped the sport.
Child Prodigy
Born in Cypress, California, Woods was introduced to golf before age two by his father Earl. He won three straight US Amateur titles before turning professional in 1996.
Rewriting the Record Book
Woods dominated golf for over a decade, winning majors by historic margins and holding the No. 1 ranking for a record number of weeks. He brought unprecedented attention and money to the sport.
Falls and Comebacks
Injuries and personal setbacks interrupted his career, yet Woods repeatedly returned. His emotional 2019 Masters victory, his 15th major, ranks among the greatest comebacks in sports history.
Career Timeline
- 1975Born in Cypress, California
- 1996Turns professional in August at age 20
- 1997Wins first Masters by record 12 strokes
- 1997Reaches world No. 1 for the first time
- 2000Wins US Open by record 15 strokes
- 2001Completes the 'Tiger Slam' of four straight majors
- 2008Wins US Open on a broken leg, his 14th major
- 2019Wins fifth Masters in stunning comeback
- 2021Survives serious car crash in February
- 2022Inducted into World Golf Hall of Fame
Biggest Hits
- Woods first appeared on television swinging a golf club at age two on the Mike Douglas Show.
- His 82 career PGA Tour wins tie Sam Snead for the all-time record.
Portrait: Jamie Kline · Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons