Tiger Woods, formerly known as Eldrick "Tiger" Woods, stands as an iconic figure in the realm of golf, having once dominated the world golf rankings until 2009.
Born on December 30, 1975, in Cypress, California, United States, with a stature of 185cm and a weight of 84kg, Woods has consistently held the No. 1 spot in the global golf standings throughout his illustrious career.
Notably, he experienced a notable drop to No. 985 on March 2, 2023, a testament to his enduring popularity and the enduring impact of his nickname, "Tiger."
From an early age, Woods was immersed in the world of golf under the tutelage of his father. Rising to prominence through reality TV, he clinched victory in the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship three times during his high school years.
His academic journey led him to Stanford University in 1994, where he triumphed in the U.S. Amateur Championship and the NCAA Championship. Honors continued to pour in, with two-time Pac-10 Player of the Year and two-time first-team All-American among his accolades. In 1996, Woods transitioned to professional golf.
The U.S. Masters, held on November 15, 2020, marked Woods' last tour event before a car accident altered the trajectory of his career. Despite initial doubts about his return, Woods made a notable appearance at the PNC Championship in the previous year, securing second place alongside his son Charlie.
His official return at this year's U.S. Masters, though finishing in 47th place, garnered immense attention, with ESPN estimating a substantial increase in viewership.
Woods' impact extends beyond the golf course, evident in his financial standing. Despite missing the previous season, he secured the 12th position on Forbes' list of athletes' earnings in 2021, a remarkable feat as the sole golfer in the top 20.
Forbes reports his total career earnings at about $1.7 billion, with tournament prize money accounting for a mere fraction—$121 million. The majority of his income stems from lucrative endorsement deals with major brands such as Nike and TaylorMade.
Beyond endorsements, Woods has diversified his portfolio with ventures into golf course design, television broadcast shares, and book publishing rights.
The U.S. Masters comeback has shifted the spotlight not just on Woods' performance but on his enduring business acumen. Augusta National Golf Club President Flood Ridley expressed delight at Woods' return, acknowledging his colossal influence as one of the greatest golfers in history.
As Woods continues to defy expectations and reassert his presence in the golfing world, his enduring impact transcends the greens, resonating in the realms of business and entertainment.
In addition to his remarkable comeback on the golf course, Tiger Woods' enduring legacy is evident in his philanthropic efforts.
Through the Tiger Woods Foundation, established in 1996, he has tirelessly worked to empower underserved youth through education and opportunities. The foundation's impact extends globally, emphasizing the importance of education in breaking cycles of poverty.
Beyond his athletic prowess and business ventures, Woods remains a beacon of social responsibility. His commitment to making a positive impact resonates with fans and admirers, solidifying his status as not just a golfing legend but a compassionate force for change in the world.
