Eldrick Tont "Tiger" Woods, born on December 30, 1975, stands as an iconic figure in American professional golf, widely considered not only one of the greatest golfers of all time but also among the most famous athletes in history. His journey through the sport has been marked by unparalleled triumphs, challenging personal struggles, and remarkable resilience, earning him a place in the World Golf Hall of Fame. Before captivating the professional world, Woods honed his exceptional talent through a stellar junior, collegiate, and amateur career, hinting at the greatness that was to come.

The Rise of a Phenom and an Era of Dominance

In 1996, at the young age of 20, Tiger Woods turned professional, a decision that would rapidly redefine the landscape of golf. His impact was immediate and profound; by the end of April 1997, he had already secured three PGA Tour victories and, most notably, his first major championship: the 1997 Masters Tournament. This victory was nothing short of historic, as he triumphed by a staggering 12 strokes, setting a new record for the largest margin of victory at Augusta National and becoming the youngest Masters champion. Such was his meteoric ascent that he claimed the world number one ranking in June 1997, less than a year after joining the professional ranks.

The first decade of the 21st century belonged unequivocally to Tiger Woods. He dominated the sport with an intensity rarely seen, holding the top-ranked golfer position for an incredible 264 consecutive weeks from August 1999 to September 2004, and then again for 281 consecutive weeks from June 2005 to October 2010. During this period of breathtaking supremacy, Woods accumulated an astonishing 13 of golf's major championships, solidifying his reputation as an unstoppable force.

Challenges and Triumphant Returns

The subsequent decade of Woods's career presented a stark contrast, characterized by significant personal challenges and a series of debilitating injuries. In December 2009, he took a self-imposed hiatus from professional golf, extending into early April 2010, to confront marital issues with his then-wife, Elin. Woods publicly admitted to multiple infidelities, which ultimately led to the couple's divorce, casting a long shadow over his previously pristine public image. This period saw a decline in his performance and rankings, with his world ranking plummeting to number 58 by November 2011.

However, Woods's indomitable spirit shone through. He embarked on a formidable comeback, clawing his way back to the coveted number-one ranking between March 2013 and May 2014, a testament to his unwavering dedication. Yet, this resurgence was short-lived, as a series of debilitating back injuries forced him to undergo four surgeries between 2014 and 2017. These physical setbacks severely curtailed his playing time; he competed in only one tournament between August 2015 and January 2018, leading to a dramatic fall from the world rankings, even dropping outside the top 1,000 golfers. Many wondered if his career was truly over.

Defying all expectations, Woods meticulously worked his way back. His return to regular competition in 2018 marked the beginning of another incredible chapter. He steadily climbed the ranks, achieving a momentous victory at the Tour Championship in September 2018 – his first tournament win in five years. The pinnacle of this remarkable comeback arrived in April 2019 at the Masters, where he captured his 15th major championship and his first in 11 years, igniting celebrations worldwide and cementing his legacy as one of sport's greatest comeback stories.

A Legacy Forged in Records

Tiger Woods's career is etched into golf's record books with an array of seemingly insurmountable achievements. He has spent more consecutive weeks and a greater total number of weeks as the world's number-one ranked player than any other golfer in history. His dominance is further underscored by a record 11 PGA Player of the Year awards and a record eight Byron Nelson Awards for the lowest adjusted scoring average. Woods also holds the distinct record of leading the money list in ten different seasons, showcasing his consistent excellence and financial impact on the sport.

His 15 professional major golf championships place him second only to the legendary Jack Nicklaus, who holds 18. Furthermore, his 82 PGA Tour victories tie him for first all-time with Sam Snead, an incredible feat that speaks volumes about his longevity and winning pedigree. Among active golfers, Woods remains the leader in both career major wins and career PGA Tour wins, a testament to his enduring influence.

Woods's achievements extend beyond individual tournament victories. He is the fifth player in golf history, following Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, and Jack Nicklaus, to achieve the coveted career Grand Slam – winning all four major championships at least once – and he remains the youngest to do so. Remarkably, he is also the second golfer, after Jack Nicklaus, to achieve a career Grand Slam three times over. He has triumphed in 18 World Golf Championships, a series of elite events that gather the world's best players, further highlighting his superiority. Moreover, Woods was a vital member of the victorious American team at the 1999 Ryder Cup, contributing to one of golf's most thrilling team competitions. In May 2019, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to sport and culture, Woods was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Donald Trump, becoming only the fourth golfer to receive this prestigious honor.

The Road Ahead

On February 23, 2021, Tiger Woods faced a life-altering event when he was involved in a severe single-car collision. Hospitalized in serious but stable condition, he underwent emergency surgery to address compound fractures sustained in both legs, in addition to a shattered ankle. This accident raised significant questions about his ability to ever return to the professional tour.

In a candid interview with Golf Digest in November 2021, Woods shared insights into his recovery and future. He indicated that his full-time career as a professional golfer, with its grueling schedule and constant travel, was likely over. However, he expressed a strong desire to continue playing "a few events per year," signifying his enduring passion for the game and his intention to compete selectively as his body allows. His journey continues to inspire, both on and off the course.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tiger Woods

When did Tiger Woods turn professional?

Tiger Woods turned professional in 1996, at the age of 20, immediately making a significant impact on the sport.

What was Tiger Woods's first major championship win?

His first major championship victory was the 1997 Masters, where he won by an astonishing 12 strokes, setting a new record.

How many major championships has Tiger Woods won?

Tiger Woods has won 15 professional major golf championships, placing him second only to Jack Nicklaus (18).

How many PGA Tour wins does Tiger Woods have?

He holds 82 PGA Tour victories, tying him with Sam Snead for the most all-time.

What is the Career Grand Slam in golf, and has Tiger Woods achieved it?

The Career Grand Slam is achieved by winning all four major championships (the Masters, U.S. Open, Open Championship, and PGA Championship) at least once. Tiger Woods is the fifth and youngest player to achieve this, and he has done it three times.

What led to Tiger Woods's significant hiatus and decline in rankings in the early 2010s?

His hiatus from late 2009 to early 2010 was due to personal marital issues and admitted infidelities, followed by a series of back injuries that required multiple surgeries between 2014 and 2017.

What was the significance of Tiger Woods's 2019 Masters victory?

His 2019 Masters win was his first major championship in 11 years and his first tournament win in five years, widely celebrated as one of the greatest comebacks in sports history following his severe injuries.

What is the current status of Tiger Woods's professional golf career after his 2021 car accident?

Following a severe car accident in February 2021, Woods indicated in November 2021 that his full-time professional career was over, but he intends to play a "few events per year" as his health permits.