Tiger Woods is one of the greatest and most influential golfers in history. His dominance on the course redefined modern golf, broke records, and transformed the sport’s global appeal. At the same time, intense public interest in Tiger Woods controversy emerged after highly publicized personal scandals and later career-threatening injuries reshaped his legacy. People search for his story to understand how unmatched success, public downfall, and resilience all coexist in one career.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Eldrick Tont Woods |
| Date of birth | December 30, 1975 |
| Age | 50 years old |
| Date of death | — |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Biracial (African American, Thai, Chinese, Dutch) |
| Profession | Professional golfer |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Weight | 185 lb (84 kg) |
| Marital status | Divorced |
| Spouse / partner | Previously married to Elin Nordegren |
| Children | Two |
| Religion | Buddhism |
| Net worth | Estimated $1.1 billion |
| Salary | Tournament winnings, endorsements, business ventures |
Early life and background
Tiger Woods was born on December 30, 1975, in Cypress, California. He was introduced to golf before the age of two by his father, Earl Woods, a former U.S. Army officer who recognized his son’s extraordinary talent early.
By childhood, Woods was already appearing on television as a golf prodigy. His upbringing was structured, disciplined, and intensely focused on performance, laying the foundation for one of the most dominant athletic careers in history.
Amateur dominance and professional breakthrough
Woods dominated amateur golf, winning multiple national titles before turning professional in 1996. His entry into professional golf immediately disrupted the sport.
Within months, he signed record-breaking endorsement deals and won his first major championship. His athleticism, mental toughness, and aggressive style changed how golf was played and marketed.
Era of dominance and historic achievements
Between the late 1990s and late 2000s, Tiger Woods dominated golf in a way few athletes have ever dominated any sport. His achievements include:
- 15 major championships
- 82 PGA Tour wins (tied for most all-time)
- Weeks ranked world No. 1 longer than any other golfer
- The “Tiger Slam”, holding all four major titles consecutively
He transformed golf into a global, commercially powerful sport and inspired a new generation of players.
Tiger Woods net worth and financial empire
At his peak and beyond, Tiger Woods net worth grew into historic territory. Through prize money, endorsements, and long-term investments, he became one of the first athletes to achieve billionaire status.
His wealth came from:
- Tournament winnings
- Major endorsement deals
- Golf course design business
- Licensing and brand ownership
Even after losing sponsorships during controversy, his financial foundation remained strong.
The Tiger Woods controversy explained
The defining Tiger Woods controversy erupted in 2009 after a late-night car accident outside his home led to revelations of multiple extramarital affairs.
What followed was one of the most intense celebrity scandals in modern sports history:
- Public admission of infidelity
- Loss of major endorsement deals
- Intense global media scrutiny
- Temporary withdrawal from professional golf
The scandal shattered his carefully controlled public image and marked a dramatic turning point in his career.
Divorce and personal fallout
Following the scandal, Woods and his wife Elin Nordegren divorced in 2010. The divorce settlement was widely reported and became part of the broader public narrative surrounding his personal life.
Woods later described this period as the lowest point of his life, both personally and professionally.
Career collapse and injuries
After the controversy, Woods struggled to regain form. Compounding the issue were severe physical injuries, including multiple surgeries to his back and knees.
For several years, his future in golf appeared uncertain. Missed cuts, visible pain, and extended absences replaced the dominance fans once expected.
Comeback and redemption arc
Against long odds, Tiger Woods staged one of the greatest comebacks in sports history. In 2019, he won the Masters Tournament, his first major victory in over a decade.
The win was widely viewed as a moment of redemption—not erasing past mistakes, but demonstrating perseverance, growth, and resilience.
Additional controversy and 2021 car accident
In 2021, Woods was involved in a serious single-vehicle accident that resulted in major leg injuries. While not a scandal, the incident renewed public concern about his health and future.
He survived the crash and began another long rehabilitation process, once again confronting uncertainty.
Who was Tiger Woods married to?
Tiger Woods was married to Elin Nordegren, a former model. Their marriage lasted from 2004 to 2010 and produced two children before ending following the public scandal.
Children and fatherhood
Woods has two children, a daughter and a son. Fatherhood has become a central part of his life, and he has spoken about prioritizing parenting over competition in later years.
His children are frequently seen supporting him at tournaments, symbolizing a more grounded phase of his life.
Lifestyle and assets
Tiger Woods’ lifestyle reflects immense wealth and long-term success:
- Luxury real estate holdings
- Private aircraft
- Yacht ownership
- Exclusive golf properties
Despite this, he has gradually reduced public visibility and now lives a more controlled, private life.
Health struggles and physical challenges
Woods’ career has been heavily shaped by injury:
- Multiple back surgeries
- Knee reconstruction
- Extensive rehabilitation
His ability to return to competition at all is considered remarkable within professional sports.
Public perception today
Public opinion on Tiger Woods controversy has evolved. While the scandal permanently altered his image, many now view him as a complex figure who faced consequences and demonstrated resilience.
He is no longer judged solely by dominance or downfall, but by the totality of his career.
Legacy and cultural impact
Tiger Woods’ legacy is unmatched in modern golf. He changed who plays the sport, who watches it, and how it is marketed.
His story includes:
- Unprecedented success
- Public failure
- Accountability
- Redemption through perseverance
Few athletes embody such extremes. His influence on golf—and sports culture as a whole—will endure long after his competitive days end.