Tiger Woods celebrates his 50th birthday. We look back at a professional career that redefined golf history.
Born on December 30, 1975, in Cypress, California, Eldrick Tont Woods—better known as Tiger—was destined for greatness from an early age. The son of Kultida Woods and U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Earl Woods, Tiger was swinging clubs before he could walk. By age two, he was showcasing his skills on national television alongside comedian Bob Hope.
From College Star to Amateur Champion
Woods claimed his first major amateur victory at age eight, winning the 1984 Junior World Golf Championship. His amateur success continued through his time at Stanford University, where he studied economics and won the NCAA individual title in 1994. Turning pro in 1996, Woods signed record-breaking endorsement deals, including a $40 million contract with Nike. That same year, he won two PGA Tour events and was named Rookie of the Year.
In 1997, Woods made history by winning the Masters with a record-breaking 18-under-par, becoming the first Black golfer to win the tournament. Just 42 weeks into his pro career, 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 between 1999 and 2001, when he completed the so-called Tiger Slam—holding all four Major titles simultaneously. He went on to win 15 Majors and 82 PGA Tour titles, tying Sam Snead for the most wins in PGA Tour history. Despite playing in eight Ryder Cups, Woods only tasted team victory once, in 1999.
Known for his powerful yet precise swing and unmatched mental toughness, Woods spent a record 683 weeks as world No. 1, including an uninterrupted streak of 281 weeks. His signature red shirt on Sundays became a symbol of his competitive fire.
Injury, Scandal, and Comeback
In 2008, Woods won the U.S. Open despite severe knee injuries, calling it his greatest Major victory. A year later, his career was rocked by personal scandal and divorce, leading to a hiatus from golf. Though sponsors dropped him, Nike and EA Sports remained loyal. He returned to competition in 201