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 accomplished and famous American professional golfer. Tied for the most PGA Tour wins and second in major championships, he holds numerous records and is considered one of the greatest golfers ever. His achievements led to his induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Sections (6)

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

1997: Civil Case Initiated by Woods and Palmer

In 1997, 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. Matthews and associated parties counterclaimed that Woods and his company, ETW Corporation, committed several acts including breach of contract.

2003: Slump

During his well-publicized slump in 2003, the scores of highly skilled golfers were nearly one stroke higher when playing against Woods.

2003: Mickelson's Joke about Equipment

In 2003, Phil Mickelson made a joke about Woods using "inferior equipment", which did not sit well with Nike, Titleist, or Woods.

November 2009: Infidelity Scandal and Car Accident

In November 2009, the National Enquirer published a story claiming Tiger Woods had an extramarital affair, which was followed by a car accident near his Florida mansion. Woods collided with a fire hydrant, a tree, and hedges, receiving minor injuries and a ticket for careless driving.

December 2009: Tiger Woods Takes Hiatus From Golf

In December 2009, Tiger Woods took a self-imposed hiatus from professional golf to address marital issues.

December 2009: Sponsorships Re-evaluated

In December 2009, following Woods's admission of multiple infidelities, TAG Heuer dropped Woods from advertising and a study estimated shareholder losses between $5 billion and $12 billion.

2009: Comeback and Marital Infidelity

In 2009, Tiger Woods had a much-anticipated return to golf, including a performance at the 2009 Presidents Cup. At the end of 2009, after his marital infidelities came to light, Woods announced he would take an indefinite break from golf.

2009: Infidelity Scandal

In 2009, Tiger Woods' infidelity scandal was a contributing factor to the problems encountered by his golf course design projects, alongside overly optimistic estimates of their value and declines in the global economy.

February 2010: Suspension of Golf Digest Column

Beginning with the February 2010 issue, Golf Digest magazine suspended Tiger Woods' monthly column following his admission of infidelities.

February 2010: Televised Apology

In February 2010, Tiger Woods delivered a televised apology for his behavior related to marital infidelities, saying "I was wrong and I was foolish."

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 stated he didn't know when he would be returning to golf.

August 2011: End of TAG Heuer Deal

In August 2011, TAG Heuer officially ended their sponsorship deal with Tiger Woods when his contract expired, following a suspension of advertising in December 2009.

March 12, 2014: Florida 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: Arrest for DUI

On May 29, 2017, Tiger Woods was arrested near his home in Jupiter Island, Florida, for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs after being found asleep in his car.

July 3, 2017: Completion of Intensive Program

On July 3, 2017, Tiger Woods tweeted that he had completed an out-of-state intensive program to tackle an unspecified issue.

August 9, 2017: Arraignment for DUI

On August 9, 2017, at his arraignment, Tiger Woods, through his attorney, submitted a not guilty plea for his DUI charge and agreed to participate in a first-time offender program.

October 27, 2017: Guilty Plea for Reckless Driving

On October 27, 2017, Tiger Woods pleaded guilty to reckless driving. He received a year of probation, a $250 fine, 50 hours of community service, and regular drug tests, with restrictions on alcohol consumption.

2023: Herman Filed Suit Against Woods

In early 2023, Erica Herman filed suit against Tiger Woods, alleging a violation of the Speak Out Act in relation to a non-disclosure agreement and claiming she was owed $30 million.