Tiger Woods celebrates his 50th birthday. We look back on a professional career that remains nearly unmatched.
Born on December 30, 1975, in Cypress, California, Eldrick Tont Woods—better known as Tiger—was introduced to golf at an incredibly young age. The son of Kultida Woods and U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Earl Woods, Tiger was already mimicking golf swings at six months old. By the age of two, he appeared on the Mike Douglas Show, showcasing his talent alongside comedian Bob Hope.
From College Star to Prodigy
Woods won his first major junior tournament, the Junior World Golf Championship, at age eight. He went on to win multiple amateur titles and captured national attention in 1994 by winning the NCAA title while studying economics at Stanford University. Turning professional in August 1996, Woods signed record-breaking endorsement deals, including a $40 million contract with Nike. He won two tournaments in his debut season and was named PGA Tour Rookie of the Year and Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year.
In 1997, Woods claimed his first major at the Masters with a record-breaking 18-under-par finish, becoming the first Black golfer to win the event. Just 42 weeks after turning pro, he became the world’s No. 1 ranked golfer.
Tiger Woods wins his first Masters in 1997. (Photo: Getty)
The Tiger Slam and Unmatched Dominance
Woods’ dominance peaked with the Tiger Slam—winning four consecutive majors between 2000 and 2001. He collected 14 major titles through the 2000s and added a 15th at the 2019 Masters. With 82 PGA Tour wins, he shares the all-time record with Sam Snead. Despite playing in eight Ryder Cups, Woods only won once with Team USA in 1999.
Known for his powerful yet precise swing and mental toughness, Woods redefined the sport. He spent 683 weeks as world No. 1, including a record 281 consecutive weeks. His signature red shirt on Sundays became a symbol of his competitive fire.
Resilience and Legacy
In 2008, Woods won the U.S. Open despite playing with a torn ACL and stress fractures, calling it his greatest major victory. After a 10-month hiatus, he returned in 200