It’s been years, but the moment is still fresh in our memories – the epic showdown between Tiger Woods and Stephen Ames at the 2006 Dell Technologies Match Play event. Ames, a relatively unknown golfer at the time, made the mistake of trash-talking Woods, saying that “anything can happen” given Woods’s inconsistent driving. Oh, did that spark a fire! Almost, ironically reminds us of the fact that a tiger never forgets, and boy did that prove right for Tiger Woods. Woods, known for his fierce competitiveness, took it personally and went on to thrash Ames 9 & 8, winning every hole on the front nine. It was a ridiculous display of golf, with Woods making seven birdies and two pars through his nine-hole stretch.

The victory was sweet for Woods, who later admitted that Ames’s comments had provided him with extra motivation. And, boy, did he make Ames pay! The incident has become legendary in golf lore, with many still talking about the dominating performance. Woods’s response to Ames’s trash talk was the perfect example of how he uses criticism as fuel to drive his success. And, it seems, we’re not the only ones who remember it well.

Golf instructor Hank Haney recently tweeted that Ames’s comments had actually made Woods a bit fussy, saying “I remember it well, Stephen Ames had irritated Tiger a little with his comments.” Meanwhile, golf coach Jonathan Yarwood, who was present at the tournament, chimed in with a hilarious tweet, saying “I was coaching at that event. Total flex 💪🏼👌🏼🔥 Tiger in his day was unstoppable.” Well, golf insiders are talking about the same event and spilling some inside scoop.

If you think that as the years went by, Tiger Woods has lost his savage demeanor, you are sorely wrong, dear golf fans!

Tiger Woods’s savage personality lives on with his comments after winning the 2022 Player Impact Program

Tiger Woods won the PGA Tour’s Player Impact Program award for the second year in a row in 2022, taking home a whopping $15 million prize. Woods beat out Rory McIlroy, who secured $12 million for coming in second. But what’s even more impressive is that Woods also won the inaugural Player Impact Program in 2021, earning $8 million, despite not playing in any PGA Tour events that year. This just goes to show that Woods’ influence and popularity extend far beyond his playing schedule. He’s a golf legend, and his impact on the sport is undeniable.

Woods’ dominance in the PIP wasn’t just about the numbers – it was also about the drama and suspense that came with it. Just a year prior, Woods roasted Phil Mickelson after winning the 2022 Player Impact Program. Mickelson had prematurely claimed victory, tweeting that he had won the top prize of $8 million. But Woods had other plans, and in a “late flurry,” he surpassed Mickelson to take home the biggest prize. Woods ultimately took home the $8 million prize, leaving Mickelson with a consolation prize of $6 million. Woods couldn’t resist taking a jab at Mickelson, tweeting “whoops” with a screenshot of the final standings. Ouch! It’s clear that the jab hits differently when it comes to money.

The program, which rewards golfers for their popularity, increased its overall bonus pool to $100 million across 20 players in 2022. Woods’ limited playing schedule, which included the Masters, PGA Championship, and British Open, didn’t hinder his appeal, as confirmed by the PIP award. The PIP measured a player’s impact on social media and media in general, using metrics such as Google searches, Nielsen brand rating, and media coverage. Woods’ dominance in the PIP was impressive, especially considering he finished only one tournament, in Augusta, and dropped out of the PGA Championship after the third round.

Woods’ dominance in the PIP is a testament to his enduring popularity and influence in the golf world. He’s a true icon of the sport, and his impact will be felt for years to come. The formula used to calculate the PIP is set to change, with “General Population Awareness” and “Golf Fan Awareness” replacing social media reach as part of the criteria. Do you remember any savage moments featuring the big cat? Let us know in the comment section below!