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Legendary Golfer Tiger Woods: A Photo Collection

Jessica Proctor04 mins

The Extraordinary Story of Tiger Woods

By Will Lanzoni and Kyle Almond, CNN

Tiger Woods changed the face of golf in the late 1990s, becoming one of the most famous athletes in the world.

Early Achievements

In 1997, at the age of 21, he won the Masters tournament by 12 strokes—a record that still stands today. A couple of months later, he was ranked No. 1 in the world.

Woods went on to dominate the sport for the next decade, winning 12 of his 15 major championships. Currently, only Jack Nicklaus has won more (18). Woods is also tied with Sam Snead for the most career victories on the PGA Tour, with a total of 82 wins.

Challenges and Triumphs

Injuries and personal challenges, however, have blighted the latter years of Woods’ stellar career. In 2019, he won the Masters for his first major title in 11 years, two years after undergoing spinal fusion surgery. Another back surgery caused him to miss a couple of events at the start of 2021.

In February 2021, Woods was hospitalized after a single-vehicle rollover accident in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, which resulted in multiple fractures to his right leg. He had to be extricated from his vehicle by emergency responders.

The Road to Recovery

Woods returned to play a handful of events in 2022, including three majors. On February 16, he hosted the Genesis Invitational at the Riviera Country Club in California. This marked Woods’ first PGA Tour event since October 2020, coinciding with the same tournament he played just before his car crash in 2021.

A Childhood Rooted in Golf

Woods had his first brush with fame when he was just 2 years old. The young golfing prodigy appeared on The Mike Douglas Show in 1978, winning a putting contest with comedian Bob Hope.
Woods had his first brush with fame when he was just 2 years old. The young golfing prodigy appeared on “The Mike Douglas Show” in 1978, winning a putting contest with comedian Bob Hope.
Woods, 6, sizes up a putt in Los Alamitos, California, in 1982. His real name is Eldrick, but his father nicknamed him 'Tiger' after a South Vietnamese soldier he fought alongside with during the Vietnam War.
Woods, 6, sizes up a putt in Los Alamitos, California, in 1982. His real name is Eldrick, but his father nicknamed him “Tiger” after a South Vietnamese soldier he fought alongside with during the Vietnam War.
Woods and his father, Earl, celebrate after a 15-year-old Tiger won the US Junior Amateur Championship in 1991. He won the event in 1992 and 1993 as well.
Woods and his father, Earl, celebrate after a 15-year-old Tiger won the US Junior Amateur Championship in 1991. He won the event in 1992 and 1993 as well.

Legacy and Influence

Woods’ remarkable journey in the world of golf continues to inspire upcoming athletes. His influence on the sport is undeniable, as he has drawn millions of new fans and has always boasted the largest galleries, with thousands of people following him throughout tournaments.

Woods plays a shot during a PGA Championship practice round in August 2009.
Woods plays a shot during a PGA Championship practice round in August 2009.

Woods remains a pivotal figure in golf history, consistently reminding fans of his unparalleled talent and commitment to the game. He continues to set high standards and expectations, enriching the golfing landscape for future generations.


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