Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Tiger Woods

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Tiger Woods.

Tiger Woods is a highly decorated American professional golfer, tied for the lead in PGA Tour wins and second in major championships. Celebrated as one of golf's all-time greats and a prominent athlete, he holds numerous records and is a World Golf Hall of Fame inductee.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1997: Woods initiates civil case

In 1997, Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer initiated a civil case against Bruce Matthews (owner of Gotta Have It Golf, Inc.) to stop the unauthorized sale of their images and alleged signatures in the memorabilia market.

2003: Phil Mickelson Jokes About Woods' Equipment

In 2003, Phil Mickelson made a joke about Tiger Woods using "inferior equipment," which upset Nike, Titleist, and Woods.

November 2009: Infidelity Allegations and Car Accident

In November 2009, the National Enquirer published a story alleging Tiger Woods had an extramarital affair with Rachel Uchitel. Shortly after, on November 27, Woods crashed his Cadillac Escalade SUV near his Florida mansion, resulting in minor injuries and a careless driving ticket.

December 2009: Takes Hiatus from Golf

In December 2009, Tiger Woods took a self-imposed hiatus from professional golf to address marital issues, a personal challenge that impacted his career.

December 2009: Sponsorship Deals Re-Evaluated

In December 2009, after Woods admitted to multiple infidelities, companies like Accenture, AT&T, Gatorade, and General Motors ended their sponsorship deals. TAG Heuer dropped Woods from advertising.

2009: Comeback and Marital Infidelity

In 2009, Tiger Woods had a highly anticipated return to golf and performed well, including a strong showing at the 2009 Presidents Cup. However, he failed to win a major, the first time since 2004. At the end of 2009, his marital infidelities became public, and he announced an indefinite break from competitive golf in December.

2009: Factors Behind Project Problems

In 2009, problems encountered by Tiger Woods' design projects were attributed to overly optimistic estimates, declines in the global economy, and decreased marketability following his infidelity scandal.

February 2010: Golf Digest Suspends Woods' Column

In February 2010, Golf Digest magazine suspended Tiger Woods's monthly column, beginning with the February 2010 issue.

February 2010: Televised Apology and Endorsement Losses

In February 2010, Tiger Woods delivered a televised apology for his behavior, admitting he was wrong and foolish. During this period, several companies ended their endorsement deals with Woods.

February 19, 2010: Televised Statement and Apology

On February 19, 2010, Tiger Woods gave a televised statement in which he apologized for his actions and discussed his 45-day therapy program, which began at the end of December. He also said he didn't know when he would be returning to golf.

August 2011: TAG Heuer Ends Deal

In August 2011, TAG Heuer officially ended their deal with Tiger Woods when his contract expired.

March 12, 2014: Jury finds in favor of Gotta Have It

On March 12, 2014, a Florida jury found in favor of Gotta Have It on its breach of contract and other related claims, rejected ETW's counterclaims, and awarded Gotta Have It $668,346 in damages.

May 29, 2017: Arrested for DUI

On May 29, 2017, Tiger Woods was arrested for driving under the influence near his home in Jupiter Island, Florida. He was found asleep in his car, which was stationary in a traffic lane with its engine running. He later stated that he took prescription drugs and did not realize how they might interact together.

August 9, 2017: Arraignment for DUI

At his arraignment on August 9, 2017, Tiger Woods had his attorney submit a not guilty plea for him, agreed to take part in a first-time driving under the influence offender program, and agreed to attend another arraignment on October 25.

October 27, 2017: Pleads Guilty to Reckless Driving

At a hearing on October 27, 2017, Tiger Woods pleaded guilty to reckless driving and received a year of probation, a $250 fine, 50 hours of community service, regular drug tests, and was prohibited from drinking alcohol during his probation.