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 an American professional golfer, considered one of the greatest of all time. He is tied for first in PGA Tour wins and ranks second in men's major championships, holding numerous golf records. Woods is a World Golf Hall of Fame inductee and a globally recognized athlete.

Sections (6)

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

1997: Civil Case Initiated Against Gotta Have It Golf, Inc.

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

2003: Phil Mickelson's Remark on Inferior Equipment

In 2003, Phil Mickelson made a joke about Tiger Woods using "inferior equipment", which didn't sit well with Nike, Titleist, or Woods.

November 2009: Woods's Car Accident and Subsequent Actions

In November 2009, Tiger Woods faced a series of events: the National Enquirer published a story alleging an extramarital affair, followed by Woods crashing his Cadillac Escalade SUV near his home. He received a ticket for careless driving and later announced he would not appear at his charity golf tournament due to injuries.

December 2009: Hiatus from Golf

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

December 2009: Companies Re-Evaluated Relationships

In December 2009, following Woods' admission of multiple infidelities, companies like TAG Heuer dropped Woods from advertising, and a study estimated the shareholder loss to be between $5 billion and $12 billion. Nike and Electronic Arts continued their support.

2009: Comeback, Infidelity Scandal, and Break from Golf

In 2009, Tiger Woods had a comeback to golf, performing well including at the 2009 Presidents Cup, but failed to win a major. After marital infidelities came to light, Woods announced in December 2009 that he would be taking an indefinite break from competitive golf.

2009: Factors Attributed to Project Problems

In 2009, various Tiger Woods Design projects encountered problems attributed to factors such as overly optimistic estimates of their value, declines throughout the global economy, and the decreased appeal and marketability of Woods following his infidelity scandal.

February 2010: Golf Digest Suspended Woods's Column

In February 2010, Golf Digest magazine suspended Tiger Woods's monthly column, following Woods's admission of multiple infidelities.

February 2010: Televised Apology and Endorsement Losses

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

February 19, 2010: Woods Gave Televised Statement

On February 19, 2010, Tiger Woods gave a televised statement in which he apologized for his actions and spoke about undergoing a 45-day therapy program that began at the end of December. He admitted to feeling entitled and taking temptations around him for granted.

August 2011: End of TAG Heuer Deal

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

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, awarding them $668,346 in damages.

May 29, 2017: Woods Arrested 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. He was found asleep in his car, which was stationary in a traffic lane with its engine running. Woods later stated he had taken prescription drugs and didn't realize the interaction.

October 27, 2017: Woods Pleaded Guilty to Reckless Driving

On October 27, 2017, Tiger Woods pleaded guilty to reckless driving. He received a year of probation, a $250 fine, and was ordered to undergo 50 hours of community service along with regular drug tests. He was prohibited from drinking alcohol during probation and faced 90 days in jail with an additional $500 fine for violations.

2023: Herman Filed Suit Against Woods

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