Tiger Woods, born Eldrick Tont Woods on December 30, 1975, is an American professional golfer known for his exceptional career in golf.
He has won numerous PGA Tour events and holds many golf records, including 15 major championships.
Woods is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time, having achieved significant milestones such as winning the Masters Tournament multiple times and holding the record for the most weeks as the number one player in the world.
Beyond his golfing success, Woods is also an entrepreneur and philanthropist, involved in various ventures like TGR Design and The TGR Foundation.
His heritage is a mix of African American, Asian, Thai, Chinese, Dutch and Native American ancestry, leading him to describe his ethnic makeup as ‘Cablinasian.’
Woods has left an indelible mark on the world of golf and sports in general.
| Date of birth | December 30, 1975 |
| Place of birth | Cypress, California, United States |
| Parents | Kultida Woods, Earl Woods |
| Siblings | Royce Renee Woods, Kevin Dale Woods, Earl Woods Jr. |
| Spouse | Elin Nordegren (2004–2010) |
| Net worth | $1.1 billion |
Age, height and weight
Woods, born on December 30, 1975, is currently 48 years old.
Standing at 6 feet 1 inch tall (185 cm) and weighing 185 pounds (84 kg), Woods possesses a combination of physical stature and skill that has contributed to his success in the world of golf.
Ethnicity and nationality
TWoods has a diverse ethnic background, describing his heritage as ‘Cablinasian,’ which includes Caucasian, Black, American Indian and Asian ancestry.
His mother is of Thai, Chinese and Dutch descent, while his late father had African-American, Chinese and Native American roots.
Woods identifies as American.
Parents and siblings
Woods, born to Earl, a retired lieutenant colonel, and Kultida Woods in 1975, has a unique family background.
The golfer’s parents played significant roles in his life, with Earl nurturing his golfing talent from a young age and Kultida being dedicated to philanthropic activities.
Woods has two half-brothers, Earl Jr. and Kevin, and a half-sister, Royce, from his parents’ previous marriages.
Royce, the eldest sibling, has excelled in basketball and coaching.
Earl Jr. is known for his media appearances and is the father of professional golfer Cheyenne Woods.
Kevin, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, resides in San Jose.
Despite his success, Woods’ relationship with his half-siblings has been strained, with reports of limited communication and requests for a closer bond.
Woods’ family dynamics reflect a mix of support, challenges, and complexities that have shaped his personal life alongside his golfing achievements.
Personal life
Woods was previously married to Swedish model Elin Nordegren, with whom he shares two children.
Sam Alexis Woods, their daughter, was born in 2007, just a day after Woods was a runner-up in the US Open.
Their son, Charlie Axel Woods, was born in 2009.
Despite their split in 2010 due to Woods’ infidelity scandal, Tiger and Elin maintain a strong co-parenting relationship, sharing custody of their children.
Elin Nordegren, after her divorce from Woods, dated Chris Cline briefly before entering a relationship with former NFL player Jordan Cameron.
In 2019, she announced her pregnancy with Cameron and welcomed her fourth child in December 2022.
Woods and Elin have shown mutual respect and support for each other, evident in moments like Woods congratulating Elin on national television during a golf tournament.
Woods’ children, Sam and Charlie, have been gradually stepping into the limelight.
Sam, who is more interested in soccer than golf, delivered an emotional speech during her father’s Hall of Fame induction, praising his resilience and achievements.
On the other hand, Charlie has shown a keen interest in golf, participating in tournaments and impressing with his skills, following in his father’s footsteps in the sport.
Early career
Woods’ early career was marked by a remarkable display of talent and skill that set the stage for his future success in golf.
Before his breakthrough moments, Woods had already begun making waves in the golfing world with his exceptional abilities.
His entry into the PGA Tour was a significant milestone, showcasing his potential and laying the foundation for what would become a legendary career.
Woods’ early years on the tour were characterized by a dedication to honing his craft, refining his technique, and establishing himself as a formidable competitor amongst seasoned professionals.
Despite not yet achieving the groundbreaking victories that would later define his legacy, Woods’ early career was defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of his own capabilities on the golf course.
Tiger Woods’ breakthrough
Woods’ breakthrough in golf came with his first Masters victory, a significant milestone that reshaped the landscape of the sport.
This breakthrough win not only marked Woods’ entry into the elite circle of major championship winners but also signaled the beginning of a new era in golf.
His triumph at the Masters Tournament in 1997 was historic, as he not only secured his first major title but did so in a dominant fashion, setting records and captivating audiences worldwide.
Woods’ breakthrough victory at the Masters was a testament to his exceptional talent, mental fortitude, and unwavering focus on the course.
It showcased his ability to perform under pressure and highlighted his potential to become one of the greatest golfers of all time.
This pivotal moment in Woods’ career not only solidified his status as a golfing prodigy but also laid the foundation for a series of remarkable achievements that would follow in the years to come, shaping his legacy as a golfing icon.
Awards and accolades
Woods has amassed a remarkable collection of awards and accolades throughout his illustrious career in golf.
Some of his notable achievements include the USGA’s Bob Jones Award, the PGA TOUR Awards such as the FedExCup, Jack Nicklaus Award, Arnold Palmer Award, Byron Nelson Award and Payne Stewart Award.
He also received a Courage Award among many other Tournament Awards.
In 2019, Woods was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Donald Trump, becoming the fourth golfer to receive this prestigious honor.
These awards and accolades reflect Woods’ exceptional talent, dedication, and impact on the world of golf, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Net worth
Woods’ net worth is estimated to be around $1.1 billion, with a significant portion of his wealth coming from endorsements, business ventures and golf-related earnings.
Throughout his career, he has amassed a staggering amount of wealth, making him one of the richest athletes globally.
His net worth includes earnings from various sources such as tournament winnings, endorsement deals with brands like Nike and investments in businesses like golf course design and the PopStroke putting chain.
Despite facing personal challenges and setbacks, Woods’ financial success has been substantial, solidifying his position as one of the wealthiest and most successful figures in the world of sports.
Endorsement deals
Woods has been associated with several significant endorsement deals throughout his career, contributing significantly to his wealth and status in the sports world.
One of the most notable partnerships was with Nike, which began in 1996 when Woods turned professional.
This iconic collaboration with Nike, estimated to be worth around $500 million, played a pivotal role in establishing Woods as a global sports icon.
However, after nearly three decades, Woods parted ways with Nike, marking the end of this historic partnership.
Following the conclusion of his deal with Nike, Woods explored new opportunities, including a partnership with TaylorMade for golf equipment and an expanded relationship that involved the creation of a new golf-accessory line named, Sun Day Red.
Additionally, Woods has diversified his endorsements beyond Nike, securing deals with companies like Monster Energy, MusclePharm, Fuse Science, Rolex, Bridgestone, 2K Sports, Hero Motocorp and Upper Deck.
Furthermore, Woods has ventured into various projects such as TGR Design, TGR Live, TGR Ventures, TMRW Sports, Popstroke and T-Squared Social, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen in addition to his golfing prowess.
- Nike deal
Woods’ partnership with Nike was a significant aspect of his career, spanning 27 years and involving several notable contract details.
He initially signed with Nike in 1996, with his first contract reportedly worth $40 million over 5 years.
This deal marked a groundbreaking move for a golfer who had not yet turned professional.
Over the years, Woods’ relationship with Nike evolved, with subsequent renewals and extensions.
In 2001, he signed a 5-year contract extension worth $105 million, making him the highest-paid athlete endorser at the time.
Subsequent renewals in 2006 and 2013 were reportedly worth $20 to $40 million annually and up to $200 million, respectively.
The partnership with Nike was not only financially lucrative but also symbolically significant, with Woods becoming synonymous with the brand and playing a pivotal role in Nike’s presence in the golf industry.
Despite the recent end of this long-standing partnership, the details of Woods’ Nike deal underscore the profound impact he had on sports marketing and the world of golf endorsements.
- Monster Energy partnership
Woods has been involved in a significant sponsorship deal with Monster Energy, a renowned energy drink company.
This partnership has seen Woods extend a multi-year endorsement deal with Monster Energy, and there have been talks about a licensing agreement for his own personalized drink.
The collaboration with Monster Energy has not only provided Woods with a substantial sponsorship opportunity but has also opened the door for potential ventures into the energy drink market with his own branded product.
This deal signifies a strategic move for Woods to expand his brand presence beyond golf and into the realm of energy drinks, showcasing his versatility and business acumen in the world of sports marketing and endorsements.
- MusclePharm collaboration
Woods signed a multi-year endorsement deal with MusclePharm, a sports supplement and nutrition brand.
The initial agreement was set to run through June 30, 2018, with an option to extend for another two years. This deal included sponsorship of Woods’ golf bag.
However, the partnership was terminated prematurely by MusclePharm, who paid $2.5 million to terminate the contract and eliminate all future costs and obligations associated with the deal.
Despite the early end of the agreement, the collaboration between Woods and MusclePharm showcased a significant venture into sports nutrition and supplements within Woods’ endorsement portfolio.
- Fuse Science deal
Woods signed a five-year endorsement deal with Fuse Science, a startup company specializing in energy and body replenishment products.
This partnership with Fuse Science was significant for Woods, marking a new venture into the world of sports nutrition and supplements.
The deal aimed to leverage Woods’ influence to promote Fuse Science’s products and enhance the company’s visibility in the market.
Despite being a lesser-known startup at the time, Fuse Science’s collaboration with Woods provided them with a valuable opportunity to expand their brand presence and reach a broader audience through Woods’ endorsement.
- Rolex partnership
Woods signed an endorsement agreement with Rolex, specifically focusing on the Tudor brand of watches to target younger consumers.
The deal involved a five-year contract where Woods would receive up to $7 million in endorsement fees and royalties.
As part of the partnership, Rolex Watch U.S.A. Inc. introduced Tudor watches bearing Woods’ name, with him appearing in television and print advertising created by J. Walter Thompson New York, a unit of WPP Group.
This collaboration with Rolex marked Woods as the fourth marketer to sign a five-year contract, following deals with Nike Inc., Titleist (American Brands Inc.) and American Express Company.
The agreement with Rolex showcased a strategic move by the watch company to leverage Woods’ influence and enhance the visibility of their Tudor brand through his endorsement.
- Bridgestone deal
Woods signed a multiyear endorsement deal with Bridgestone Golf to exclusively play and promote its golf ball line.
This partnership came after Woods’ longtime brand, Nike, ceased production of golf equipment, prompting him to seek new equipment makers.
As part of the agreement, Woods played with Bridgestone’s B330-S golf balls, which he extensively tested and found to best fit his game.
The deal involved Woods being featured in digital, social, print and broadcast marketing globally for Bridgestone, enhancing the brand’s visibility.
The global golf equipment market’s steady growth and Bridgestone’s reputation in golf were key factors in this partnership.
While the financial details were not disclosed, experts estimated the deal to be worth about $1 million to $2 million per year, significantly less than Woods’ prime endorsement deals.
Woods’ collaboration with Bridgestone aimed to leverage his influence to boost the company’s sales and solidify its position in the competitive golf ball market
- 2K Sports deal
Woods has recently signed an exclusive, long-term partnership with 2K Sports, marking his return to the video game landscape.
This deal grants 2K exclusive rights to use Woods’ name and likeness in the PGA Tour 2K series and other golf games for the duration of their agreement.
As part of this collaboration, 2K Sports has also acquired HB Studios, the developer behind PGA Tour 2K21, where Woods will serve as an executive director and consultant.
The agreement with 2K Sports allows Woods to share his expertise and insights in shaping the future of golf video games.
This partnership not only brings Woods back into the gaming world but also solidifies his presence in the sports gaming industry, leveraging his star power and guidance to enhance 2K’s golf games.
Despite uncertainties about Woods’ return to professional golf following a car accident, this deal cements his role as a key figure in both sports and gaming realms.
- Hero Motocorp partnership
Woods signed a significant four-year personal endorsement deal with Indian motorcycle manufacturer Hero MotoCorp.
This deal, valued at a whopping Rs 250 crore, marked a substantial partnership between Woods and Hero MotoCorp, the largest bike company in India.
The agreement with Hero MotoCorp was expected to pay Woods between $6 million to $8 million annually, making it his most significant new endorsement contract in five years.
This collaboration expanded Hero’s presence in the sports market, particularly in golf, showcasing their commitment to global expansion and brand visibility through Woods’ endorsement.
The deal was announced at Isleworth, where Woods first met Hero Managing Director Pawan Munjal during the Tavistock Cup, highlighting the personal connection that catalyzed the partnership.
Woods’ involvement with Hero MotoCorp included television commercials and advertising in various markets, with the potential for him to feature in promotional material alongside Hero motorcycles, although he had not ridden one at the time of the deal announcement.
- Upper Deck deal
Woods signed a five-year deal with The Upper Deck to address the issue of golf items being sold with forged signatures.
This agreement aimed to ensure that only authentic items with Woods’ signature were available for sale.
Upper Deck maintained its exclusive agreement with Tiger in both sports cards and memorabilia categories, demonstrating their commitment to supporting Woods despite challenges he faced at the time.
The trading card and memorabilia company stood by Woods, emphasizing their ongoing sponsorship deals with him and reinforcing their partnership.
Business ventures
Woods has ventured into a diverse range of business ventures, showcasing his entrepreneurial acumen and strategic investments.
TGR Foundation: Established in 1996, the TGR Foundation focuses on raising funds to support young people in need through various projects like TGR Events, the Tiger Woods Learning Center and the Tiger Woods Invitational.
TGR Design: Founded in 2006, TGR Design is Woods’ golf course design company responsible for creating innovative and playable courses worldwide, including projects like Bluejack National, Cardonal and Oasis Short Course at Diamante.
PopStroke: He invested in the high-end miniature golf chain PopStroke, which has seen expansion plans across the country, offering a unique golfing experience to enthusiasts.
Nexus Luxury Collection: Woods is a major investor in Nexus Luxury Collection, a global real estate company, where he collaborates with pop star Justin Timberlake.
This venture includes plans to open a luxury bar in the St. Andrews area of Scotland, featuring attractions like a golf simulator.
The Woods Jupiter: Woods owns The Woods Jupiter, an upscale restaurant located near his residence on Jupiter Island.
This haute cuisine restaurant with a sports theme offers a unique dining experience.
TMRW Sports: Woods launched TMRW Sports, a technology-based company aiming to revolutionize sports and entertainment.
TMRW Sports’ first product, the TGL League, is a golf circuit featuring simulator-based tournaments with top PGA Tour players.
These ventures highlight Woods’ diverse interests and strategic investments across various industries, showcasing his success not only in golf but also in the business world.
EA Sports’ Tiger Woods PGA Tour
Woods has been prominently featured in the video game series, Tiger Woods PGA Tour, by EA Sports.
This franchise, spanning from 1999 to 2013, was a golfing simulation game that allowed players to experience real and fictional professional golf courses and compete as various players, including Woods himself.
The game series was a commercial success, generating nearly $771 million during the period it featured Woods as the face of the series.
One notable game in the series was the last installment, which many consider the best of the Xbox 360 era.
Despite the end of the partnership between EA Sports and Woods in 2013, EA continued to develop golf games, releasing Rory McIlroy PGA Tour in 2015.
This game, running on the Frostbite engine, did not achieve the same level of success as the previous versions featuring Woods and was eventually removed from digital storefronts in 2018.
Philanthropic endeavors
Woods has been actively involved in various philanthropic endeavors throughout his career, utilizing his wealth and influence to make a positive impact on society.
One of his significant philanthropic initiatives is the Tiger Woods Foundation, established in 1996, which aims to provide educational opportunities and support for underserved youth.
The foundation operates programs like the Earl Woods Scholar Program, offering scholarships to talented students and the TGR Learning Labs, providing STEM education and career development opportunities.
Woods’ philanthropic efforts extend beyond education to children, promoting access to sports and supporting various charitable causes.
Through his philanthropy, Woods has left a lasting legacy beyond the golf course, inspiring and empowering young individuals to strive for excellence and reach their full potential.
