According to Psychology, parents play a crucial role in shaping one’s life. More often than not, they act as role models that influence numerous behaviors and actions an individual divulges. This is true with regard to even the legendary Tiger Woods! The star player, who has time and again portrayed a resilient, charismatic front on the greens, did not shy away from shedding tears in 1998, despite the stigma surrounding it.

This transpired right after Woods listened to his late father’s message for the first time through a letter, who at the time was sitting beside the star. Consequently, the intensity of Earl Woods’ words was such that Tiger Woods couldn’t prevent the emotional barrier from breaking down. Probably, the latter’s love for his son will even bring you to tears. With that, let us delve into the letter to gather the emotional vehemence of it and try to understand the relationship between the father and his son!

A father’s love for his son: Earl Woods’ open letter to Tiger Woods

Earl Woods proved that fathers can take on the role of the first teacher for their children. Taking this into account, he published a letter in his book “Playing Through” addressing Tiger Woods. It focused on the lessons a father had taught his kid and how proud he was of the man he had become.

The inception of the open letter took off with a “Dear Tiger, you are my little man“. Since the words of Earl Woods were voiced by Oprah Winfrey on her show, an intimate picture of the 15-time major winner’s childhood was displayed in the opening lines. The letter continued with gratitude to God, who gave Tiger to his dad for nurturing, growth, and development.

The father expressed that he always had his son’s best interests first and foremost in his life. Not only that, but as a dad, Tiger meant more to him than life itself. Earl Woods, in his letter, did not back down from voicing how proud he was of the 82-time PGA Tour winner. Moreover, he believed that Tiger was more than capable of carrying forth all the valuable lessons taught to him by his dad.

Acknowledging the same, Earl Woods said, “I pass all my abilities to share and to care to you“. At this point in the video, the golf legend could be seen in tears, with one drop rolling down his cheeks. The letter carried on with how Woods’ father believed that he had tried his best to do the job of raising Tiger and trusted him to promote these lessons. Despite all this, Earl Woods concluded with a “Love Pop” and how the golf icon will forever remain his little man.

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However, the open letter was not only meant to convey a dad’s love for his child. Rather, one of the most important lessons from the note was to not shy away from being yourself, irrespective of how society perceives it.

The powerful message delivered to Woods by his father breaks the shackles of society

No doubt, the overall message of Earl Woods’ letter was to confess how much Tiger Woods meant to him. But he left his son and the viewers who listened to his words with a powerful insight. As Oprah Winfrey was reading one of the paragraphs, it highlighted the advice of a parent to his son.

In light of the same, Earl Woods stressed, “I can remember when I taught you that it was okay to cry. Men can cry.” The father taught an invaluable lesson: It was okay to express yourself and shed tears. It did not showcase any weakness; rather, it was a symbol of strength. This was part of the legacy that he wanted to leave his son to carry forward.

Additionally, the former infantry officer asked his son to share and care for others. This, he expressed, is the way of life, and it is not to be taken lightly. As soon as the letter ended, Tiger Woods placed his hand over his father’s fist, who himself had tears in his eyes. The audience present on the show also couldn’t help but get emotional listening to Earl Woods’ wise words.

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What do you think of this emotional moment that transpired between Tiger Woods and his late father? Let us know in the comments!