Everyone is familiar with the name Tiger Woods. You cannot claim to know golf and not know this great icon who is commonly regarded as the greatest golfer ever. While he has contributed a lot to the sport, he is equally well known to the rest of the world for his accomplishments.
We know all about his professional career and the many records in his name. But how and when did Tiger Woods first start playing golf?
Tiger Woods: A child prodigy
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Tiger Woods was born in California to Earl Woods and Kultida Punsawad. Earl was a military member and an amateur golfer. Tiger’s father was instrumental in developing his love for the game, and he was the one who put a golf club in his hand when he was only two years old.
Tiger Woods was declared a child prodigy due to his early achievements and he was even featured in the Golf Digest magazine. He went on to win the world Junior Championships six times and broke the 80 mark when he was only eight. His father admitted that he first lost to his son when he was 11, after which he never won again.
His early years were filled with consecutive wins and shattering of records, and he set a high bar for himself. Expectations from everyone were sky high, and he succeeded in standing up to all of them.
When did Tiger Woods win his first PGA Tour event?
After an incredible college career, Tiger Woods turned professional in 1996. Within a year of that, he achieved the number 1 ranking in golf and even signed deals with Nike and Titleist. In 1996, Woods recorded his first-ever PGA Tour victory at the Las Vegas Invitational, paving the way for many more to come. He beat Davis Love III in a close playoff and won a staggering $297,000.
Woods then won his first major at the 1997 Masters and became the youngest player in the tournament’s history to do so. In a stunning victory, he won by 12 strokes over runner-up Tom Kite.
Is Tiger Woods still playing golf?
While Woods has not retired from professional golf, accidents and injuries have plagued his career in the last few years. His most recent win came at the 2019 Zozo Championship, a part of the 2020 PGA Tour season. This was Woods’ 82nd PGA Tour title, which tied him with Sam Snead for the most ever. In February 2021, a car accident left him severely injured, and he hasn’t returned since.
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A birdie at the last for @TigerWoods! 🏆
He seals win No. 82 @ZOZOCHAMP in style.
This is his third win in his last 14 starts.#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/bWaq3zlZ0t
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) October 28, 2019
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Many speculate that this is the end of the road for Woods. However, it is impossible to come to a conclusion. Let us know what you think in the comments below!
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