I Was the Only Minority Player’: Tiger Woods’s Actions for Bullying Victim Resurfaces on His 49th Birthday

On December 30, the golfing world celebrated Tiger Woods. He turned 49. Woods has not only won tournaments but also has had a great impact on the community. A powerful and heartfelt story surfaced on this special day highlighting Woods’s commitment to uplifting others, particularly those who have faced bullying and adversity.

Shared by @ronsirak on Twitter, it revolves around a little boy who loved playing golf but suffered greatly due to bullying. Dillon, who happened to stutter, faced such relentless teasing that he even attempted suicide. Dilon’s plight was first made public when his mother reached out to Solheim Cup player Sophie Gustafson. She played her entire career on the LPGA and in Europe with a severe stuttering problem. When Ron Sirak learned of this heartbreaking situation, he too reached out to Woods, hoping to bring a glimmer of hope to the boy.

“The moment I heard from the Woods camp asking for the boy’s address, I knew something special was happening,” Sirak recalled. “Then, on Sunday, I got this text message from Sophie: ‘Tiger sent Dillon a letter and told him he also stuttered when he was younger,’ Sophie wrote. ‘He’s ecstatic. We did good, Ron.’”

The 15x major champion’s quick response to this child showcases the empathetic nature that characterizes him. Interestingly, it was also because of his own experiences of feeling like the odd one out. Just like he mentioned in his letter to Dillon. “I know what it’s like to be different and to sometimes not fit in,” Woods shared.

He talked about how he used to stutter as a kid and how he found comfort in talking to his dog. The dog “would just sit there and listen until he fell asleep,” Woods remembered. That connection helped him a lot. He also worked hard to get better at speaking by taking a class for two years. As he put it, “I also took a class for two years to help me, and I finally learned to stop.” Thanks to his determination and probably tough love from Earl Woods, he learned how to manage his stutter, showing just how strong he is on his journey to acceptance and growth.

This connection to Dillon is more than just a letter; it’s a reflection of Woods‘s journey in golf. Born on December 30, 1975, in Cypress, California, Woods grew up in a multiracial household.  He navigated a world where he was often the only minority player. “I was younger than most of the kids I competed against, and often I was the only minority player in the field,” he continued. “But I didn’t let that stop me, and I think it even inspired me to work harder. I know you can do that too.”

Dillon was very happy when he got the letter. “On Saturday, I got a letter from Tiger,” he wrote. “He told me that he used to stutter too. We are going to frame the letter. We have never seen a golf tournament in person, only on TV. I told my mom that when my leg gets better [Dillon fractured his leg when he attempted to take his own life]. I think that would be a fun thing to do.” 

Well, this was not the only time Woods was seen having a soft corner for his fans, especially young ones.

Tiger Woods showed his softer side at The Memorial

As Tiger Woods has matured and embraced fatherhood, he’s increasingly allowed his softer side to come to the forefront. While he remains a fierce competitor on the golf course, he’s also become more playful and approachable, creating memorable moments with fans that showcase this change.

One such heartwarming instance occurred during the 2018 Memorial Tournament. Woods set up for a challenging chip shot, and as he prepared, a young girl’s sweet voice broke through the usual chorus of cheers and shouts from fans. “Hi Tiger,” she called out in a gentle tone. The unexpected softness of her greeting brought a smile to Woods’s face.

With the little girl in mind, he focused back on his shot and, in a remarkable display of skill, chipped the ball neatly into the hole. But it was what happened next that truly highlighted Woods’s kindness. He pointed back at the girl, acknowledging her support, and then gave her the ball he had just played.

That simple act transformed the experience into a cherished memory for the young fan. The whole crowd too saw a different personality of Woods. Which phase of Tiger Woods is your favorite? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!