Childhood and Education Journey of Tiger Woods in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Tiger Woods, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Tiger Woods is an American professional golfer, considered one of the greatest of all time. He is tied for first in PGA Tour wins, second in men's major championships, and holds numerous golf records. Woods is an inductee of the World Golf Hall of Fame and is one of the most famous athletes in modern history.

Sections (6)

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

1968: Earl met Kultida

In 1968, Earl Woods met Kultida in Thailand during his tour of duty.

December 30, 1975: Tiger Woods Born

On December 30, 1975, Eldrick Tont "Tiger" Woods was born in Cypress, California. He is now widely considered one of the greatest golfers of all time.

Others born on this day/year

1978: Television Appearance

In 1978, Tiger Woods putted against comedian Bob Hope on The Mike Douglas Show.

1984: Junior World Golf Championships Win

In 1984, at age eight, Tiger Woods won the 9-10 boys' event at the Junior World Golf Championships.

1988: Junior World Championships

In 1988, Tiger Woods won the Junior World Championships.

1989: First Major National Junior Tournament

In 1989, at age 13, Tiger Woods played in his first major national junior tournament, the Big I. He was paired with John Daly and lost by a single stroke.

1991: Southern California Amateur Player of the Year

In 1991, Tiger Woods was named the Southern California Amateur Player of the Year, and the Golf Digest Junior Amateur Player of the Year.

1991: Junior World Championships

In 1991, Tiger Woods won the Junior World Championships.

1992: Second U.S. Junior Amateur Title

In 1992, Tiger Woods successfully defended his U.S. Junior Amateur title, becoming the event's first two-time winner. He also competed in his first PGA Tour event, the Nissan Los Angeles Open.

1994: Graduated High School

In 1994, Tiger Woods graduated from Western High School and was voted "Most Likely to Succeed" by his classmates.

1994: Youngest U.S. Amateur Winner

In 1994, at TPC Sawgrass in Florida, Tiger Woods became the youngest winner of the U.S. Amateur.

1994: Enrolled at Stanford University

In the fall of 1994, Tiger Woods enrolled at Stanford University under a golf scholarship and won his first collegiate event that September.

1995: U.S. Amateur Title

In 1995, Tiger Woods defended his U.S. Amateur title at the Newport Country Club in Rhode Island and was voted Pac-10 Player of the Year, NCAA First Team All-American, and Stanford's Male Freshman of the Year.

1995: Walker Cup

In 1995, Tiger Woods represented the U.S. at the Walker Cup.

1997: Civil Case Initiated

In 1997, Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer initiated a civil case against Bruce Matthews to stop the unauthorized sale of their images and signatures in the memorabilia market.

1999: Laser Eye Surgery

In 1999, Tiger Woods underwent successful laser eye surgery to correct his severe myopia and immediately resumed winning tour events.

2000: Views on Buddhism

In 2000, Tiger Woods stated that he "believes in Buddhism ... not every aspect, but most of it."

2002: ESPN Article on Woods's Ethnicity

In 2002, ESPN published an article detailing Woods's mixed ethnic background.

May 3, 2006: Death of Earl Woods

On May 3, 2006, Tiger Woods's father, Earl Woods, passed away.

2006: Successes and Loss

In 2006, Tiger Woods started dominantly, winning his first two PGA tournaments. Following his father's death in May, he took time off and later won six consecutive tour events, ending the year with 54 total wins that included 12 majors.

2007: Birth of Daughter Sam Alexis Woods

In 2007, Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren's first child, daughter Sam Alexis Woods, was born.

2007: Second Laser Eye Surgery

In 2007, Tiger Woods underwent laser eye surgery a second time due to deteriorating vision.

2008: Record Broken

In 2008, Danny Lee broke Tiger Woods's record as the youngest winner of the U.S. Amateur.

January 2009: Speech at Obama Inaugural Celebration

In January 2009, Tiger Woods delivered a speech commemorating the military at the We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial.

April 2009: White House Visit

In April 2009, Tiger Woods visited the White House while promoting the AT&T National golf tournament.

December 2009: Hiatus from Golf

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

2009: Birth of Son Charlie Axel Woods

In 2009, Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren's son, Charlie Axel Woods, was born.

February 2010: Televised Apology

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

August 23, 2010: Woods and Nordegren Divorce

On August 23, 2010, Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren divorced after almost six years of marriage.

2010: Record Broken

In 2010, Jim Liu broke Tiger Woods's record as the youngest U.S. Junior Amateur champion.

2011: Performance Decline and Caddie Change

In 2011, Tiger Woods's performance suffered, affecting his ranking. Despite a strong showing at the Masters, he missed several PGA Tour stops due to leg injuries. In July, he fired his caddie Steve Williams, replacing him with Bryon Bell temporarily before hiring Joe LaCava. His ranking fell to #58 before improving after a third-place finish at the Emirates Australian Open. He ended a winless streak at the Chevron World Challenge in December.

2012: Niece Turned Professional

In 2012, Tiger Woods's niece, Cheyenne Woods, turned professional and made her debut at the LPGA Championship.

2013: Moved Out of California

In 2013, Tiger Woods stated that he moved out of California in 1996 due to the state's high tax rate.

March 12, 2014: Jury Verdict in Memorabilia Case

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.

April 5, 2016: Attended Masters Champions Dinner

On April 5, 2016, Tiger Woods attended the Masters Champions Dinner.

December 2016: Golf with President Trump

In December 2016, Tiger Woods played golf with President Donald Trump at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach.

November 2017: Golf with President Trump Again

In November 2017, Tiger Woods played golf with President Donald Trump again at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach.

2017: Back Surgeries

Between 2014 and 2017, Tiger Woods underwent four back surgeries due to injuries.

December 2020: Microdiscectomy Surgery

In December 2020, Tiger Woods underwent microdiscectomy surgery on his back for the fifth time to remove a pressurized disc fragment that was pinching his nerve and causing him pain during the PNC Championship.

January 2021: Release of "Tiger" Documentary

In January 2021, the two-part documentary series "Tiger", made by Matthew Hamachek and Matthew Heineman, was released by HBO.

February 23, 2021: Car Accident and Hospitalization

On February 23, 2021, Tiger Woods was hospitalized after a single-car collision and underwent emergency surgery for compound fractures in his right leg and a shattered ankle.

November 2021: Career Status Update

In a November 2021 interview with Golf Digest, Tiger Woods stated that his full-time professional career was over, though he intended to play a limited schedule.

August 2022: Formation of TGL

In August 2022, Tiger Woods, along with Rory McIlroy, Mike McCarley, and the PGA Tour, announced the formation of TGL, a six-team virtual golfing league.

November 2023: Co-ownership of Jupiter Links Golf Club

In November 2023, Tiger Woods revealed himself as a co-owner and player for Jupiter Links Golf Club, which was founded with investments by David Blitzer.

February 4, 2025: Death of Kultida Woods

On February 4, 2025, Tiger Woods's mother, Kultida Woods, passed away.

April 2026: Driving Under the Influence Charge

In 2026, Tiger Woods was involved in another car crash and was charged with driving under the influence and causing property damage. As of April 2026, his net worth was estimated at US$1.5 billion by Forbes.