Everything You Need to Know About Tiger Woods

If you grew up watching golf or even just heard the name Tiger Woods on the news, you know he’s not just another player. He’s the guy who turned a quiet sport into a global spectacle. In this guide we’ll break down his early days, biggest victories, setbacks, and why he still matters today.

How Tiger Took Over the Game

Born Earl Eliott Woods Jr. in 1975, Tiger showed talent before he could even swing a club properly. By age three he was already hitting balls on his dad’s backyard course. At 15 he became the youngest winner of a USGA tournament and soon after turned professional. The combination of raw power, precise iron play, and mental toughness made him unstoppable.

His first major, the 1997 Masters, was a statement. He won by 12 strokes, the biggest margin in the tournament’s history, and became the youngest champion at 21. That win sparked a wave of interest in golf that you still see in TV ratings and merchandise sales.

Major Wins and Records

Over his career Tiger has captured 15 major championships – three short of Jack Nicklaus’ 18 but still a record for a modern player. Those majors include:

• 5 Masters titles (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2019)
• 4 PGA Championships (1999, 2000, 2006, 2007)
• 3 U.S. Opens (2000, 2002, 2008)
• 3 Open Championships (2000, 2005, 2006)

Beyond majors, he’s racked up 82 PGA Tour wins, tying the all‑time record set by Sam Snead. His 2000 season was historic: he won the U.S. Open, The Open, and the PGA Championship in a single calendar year, a feat no one else has matched.

What made these wins special wasn’t just the trophies. Tiger’s swing changed how players think about fitness, psychology, and equipment. He treated golf like a sport with a training regimen, inspiring younger athletes to hit the gym and study video analysis.

But his story isn’t just about triumph. In 2009 a series of personal scandals hit the headlines, and his performance slipped. A severe neck injury in 2017 forced him into surgery and an almost year‑long rehab. Many thought his career was over.

Against those odds, Tiger staged a comeback at the 2019 Masters. With a flawless final round, he won his first major in 11 years, proving that determination can outweigh age and injury. That victory sparked a wave of hope for older athletes in any sport.

Today Tiger runs the TGR Foundation, a charity that funds education and sports programs for underserved kids. His influence now stretches beyond the fairway, helping communities and encouraging the next generation of athletes.

So why does Tiger Woods still matter? Because he showed that a single person can change a whole industry. He turned golf into a prime‑time event, pushed the limits of training, and reminded us that a comeback is possible if you keep working.

Whether you’re a casual fan or a budding golfer, Tiger’s story offers clear lessons: start early, stay disciplined, learn from setbacks, and never stop improving. Next time you watch a tournament, think about the impact one player can have – and maybe pick up a tip or two for your own game.