When you hear the word golf, one name likely springs to mind: Tiger Woods. More than just an athlete, Tiger is a living legend who redefined the game, shattered records, and built a brand that transcends sports. His journey—from prodigy to world champion, through personal and physical challenges, and back to victory—is one of the most compelling stories in modern sports history.
Let’s take a deep dive into the life, career, and legacy of Eldrick “Tiger” Woods—a man whose name will forever be etched in golf history.
Tiger Woods: Complete Biography
Tiger Woods was born Eldrick Tont Woods on December 30, 1975, in Cypress, California. His father, Earl Woods, was a retired U.S. Army officer and a Vietnam veteran. It was Earl who introduced Tiger to golf before he could even walk. His mother, Kultida Woods, who is of Thai, Chinese, and Dutch descent, instilled discipline and spiritual balance in young Tiger.
He earned the nickname “Tiger” in honor of a close friend of his father’s in the military. It didn’t take long for that name to become legendary.
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By age 2, Tiger was already demonstrating his swing on national television. At just 3, he shot a 48 on nine holes. By age 8, he was beating adult golfers.
| Full Name | Eldrick Tont “Tiger” Woods |
| Date of Birth | December 30, 1975 |
| Place of Birth | Cypress, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American, Thai, Chinese, Native American, and Dutch |
| Education | Stanford University (left to go pro) |
| Profession | Professional Golfer, Entrepreneur |
| Years Active | 1996–present |
| Major Championships | 15 major titles |
| Net Worth (2025) | Approx. $1.3 billion |
| Children | Sam Alexis Woods, Charlie Axel Woods |
| Former Spouse | Elin Nordegren |
| Current Partner | Vanessa Trump |
Career
Tiger Woods turned professional in 1996, signing lucrative endorsement deals with Nike and other brands almost immediately.
Throughout his career, Tiger has won an astounding 15 major championships, including five Masters titles, four PGA Championships, three U.S. Opens, and three British Opens . His precision, strategy, and mental toughness set him apart from his peers, earning him comparisons to legends like Jack Nicklaus.
Amateur Success & Stanford Days
Tiger’s rise through junior and amateur golf was meteoric. He won the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship three times in a row (1991–1993), and then went on to win three consecutive U.S. Amateur Championships (1994–1996). That feat alone marked him as one of the greatest amateurs in golf history.
He attended Stanford University in 1994, where he studied economics and played collegiate golf. Though he left Stanford after two years to turn pro, he made a big impression on the college circuit, winning multiple titles and awards.
Turning Pro: The Start of a Golf Revolution
Tiger Woods turned professional in 1996 at just 20 years old. He signed massive endorsement deals with Nike and Titleist, a sign of the marketing power he would soon wield.
In 1997, he stunned the world by winning his first major—the Masters Tournament—by a record 12 strokes. At 21, he became the youngest person and first African-American to win the Masters.
That win wasn’t just historic—it was transformational. Golf, often seen as a sport for older, wealthier, and less diverse audiences, suddenly had a young, charismatic, multiracial champion. Tiger brought energy, athleticism, and star power to the game.
Over the next decade, Tiger dominated the sport in a way few athletes ever have. He won 15 major championships, just three behind Jack Nicklaus’s all-time record of 18. He also:
- Held all four major titles at once in 2000–2001 (dubbed the “Tiger Slam”)
- Became the No. 1 ranked golfer in the world for a total of 683 weeks—a record
- Won 82 PGA Tour events, tied for the most in history
Tiger’s mental toughness, intense focus, and unmatched work ethic became the stuff of legend. On Sunday afternoons in red, with the leaderboard in reach, he was virtually unbeatable.
Tiger Woods Net Worth
As of 2025, Tiger Woods estimated net worth ranges between $1.31 billion and $1.8 billion.
Tiger’s success off the course rivals his achievements on it. He’s built a personal brand that’s worth more than most entire golf tours.
- He has earned over $1.8 billion in career earnings, endorsements, and business ventures
- In 2022, he officially became a billionaire, joining the ranks of LeBron James and Michael Jordan
- His brand partnerships include Nike, Rolex, TaylorMade, and Monster Energy
- He owns TGR, a group of businesses that includes golf course design, a restaurant, and a foundation
The Tiger Woods Foundation has helped thousands of underprivileged children gain access to education and STEM opportunities.
Personal Life: Fatherhood & Relationships
Marriage
In 2004, Tiger married Swedish model and nanny Elin Nordegren. They had two children:
- Sam Alexis Woods (born 2007)
- Charlie Axel Woods (born 2009)
Despite the split, Tiger and Elin share a cordial co-parenting relationship focused on raising their children.
Tiger is a very involved father. His son Charlie, now a junior golfer, has already made headlines for teaming up with Tiger in father-son tournaments. Their bond is a heartwarming part of Tiger’s public image today.
Current Relationship with Vanessa Trump
In 2025, Tiger confirmed he is in a relationship with Vanessa Trump, the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr. The two were spotted at golf events and have made public appearances together. While not much is known about their relationship, it’s drawn plenty of media buzz.
Scandal, Injury & Comebacks
Tiger’s career hasn’t been without setbacks.
In 2009, a scandal involving infidelity rocked his personal life and led to a very public divorce from his wife, Elin Nordegren. Sponsors dropped him, and his image took a huge hit.
Then came a series of injuries—back surgeries, knee issues, and more—that kept him off the course for long stretches. Many wondered if he’d ever return to the top.
But in 2019, he proved the doubters wrong.
Tiger staged one of the greatest comebacks in sports history by winning the Masters again, 22 years after his first green jacket. The win was emotional, triumphant, and proof that Tiger still had greatness in him.
Tiger Woods didn’t just win tournaments—he changed the game:
- He brought diversity and excitement to a traditionally exclusive sport
- Inspired a generation of golfers, from Rory McIlroy to Collin Morikawa
- Raised the bar for fitness, intensity, and professionalism in golf
- Demonstrated resilience through scandal, injury, and scrutiny
He’s the reason prize money exploded on the PGA Tour, the reason golf reached younger fans, and the reason so many new faces entered the sport.
Tiger Woods is more than just a golfer—he’s a phenomenon. From the toddler putting in front of TV cameras to the billionaire athlete, father, and mentor, his story is about perseverance, passion, and purpose.
Whether he’s competing, designing courses, raising his children, or inspiring young athletes through his foundation, one thing is clear:
Tiger Woods changed the game—and the world will never forget it.
