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 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

1948: Ben Hogan Streak

In 1948, Ben Hogan accomplished a streak of six consecutive events on the PGA Tour. Ben Hogan had the longest winning streak until Tiger Woods.

1968: Earl Meets Kultida

In 1968, Earl Woods met Kultida Punsawad in Thailand while on tour, where she is originally from.

1974: Johnny Miller Achievement

In 1974, Johnny Miller achieved the feat of ending the season with eight wins, including the PGA Championship.

December 30, 1975: Tiger Woods Born

On December 30, 1975, Eldrick Tont "Tiger" Woods was born. He would become one of the most famous golfers and athletes in modern history.

Others born on this day/year

1978: Television Appearance

In 1978, at a young age, Tiger Woods made a television appearance on The Mike Douglas Show, putting against comedian Bob Hope, showcasing his early talent.

1989: Plays in the Big I

In 1989, at age 13, Tiger Woods played in his first major national junior tournament, the Big I, where he was paired with pro John Daly.

1994: Graduates High School

In 1994, Tiger Woods graduated from Western High School, where he was voted "Most Likely to Succeed" by his graduating class.

1994: Enrolls at Stanford University

In the fall of 1994, Tiger Woods enrolled at Stanford University on a golf scholarship, joining the reigning NCAA champions.

August 1996: Turns Professional

In August 1996, at age 20, Tiger Woods turned professional and signed lucrative advertising deals with Nike, Inc. and Titleist.

1996: Turns Professional

In 1996, after an outstanding amateur career, Tiger Woods turned professional at the age of 20, setting the stage for his dominance in the sport.

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.

1999: Undergoes Laser Eye Surgery

In 1999, Tiger Woods underwent successful laser eye surgery to correct his severe myopia, which had a rating of 11 diopters, and he quickly resumed winning tour events.

2000: Beliefs in Buddhism

In a 2000 article, Tiger Woods was quoted as saying that he "believes in Buddhism ... not every aspect, but most of it."

2002: ESPN Claims Woods' Ethnic Makeup

In 2002, ESPN reported that Tiger Woods is one-quarter Thai, one-quarter Chinese, one-quarter Caucasian, one-eighth African American, and one-eighth Native American, highlighting his diverse ethnic background.

November 2003: Engagement to Elin Nordegren

In November 2003, Tiger Woods became engaged to Elin Nordegren.

October 5, 2004: Marriage to Elin Nordegren

On October 5, 2004, Tiger Woods married Elin Nordegren at the Sandy Lane resort in Barbados.

May 3, 2006: Death of Earl Woods

May 3, 2006, marked the death of Earl Woods, Tiger Woods's father, who played a significant role in shaping his golf career and life.

2006: Purchase of Jupiter Island Estate

In 2006, Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren purchased a $39-million estate in Jupiter Island, Florida, and began constructing a 10,000-square-foot home.

2006: Dominant start to the year, wins and family tragedy

In 2006, Tiger Woods started the year dominantly by winning his first two PGA tournaments. In May 2006, following the death of his father, Woods took time off from the tour and returned at the U.S. Open but missed the cut. He quickly regained form, winning six consecutive tour events and finishing the year with 54 total wins, including 12 majors.

2007: Birth of Daughter Sam Alexis Woods

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

2007: Undergoes Second Laser Eye Surgery

In 2007, Tiger Woods underwent laser eye surgery for a second time after his vision began to deteriorate again, aiming to maintain his competitive edge.

2008: Record Broken

In 2008, Danny Lee broke the record that Tiger Woods held for youngest U.S. Amateur winner.

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: Visit to the White House

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

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.

2009: Birth of Son Charlie Axel Woods

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

August 23, 2010: Divorce from Elin Nordegren

After six years of marriage, Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren divorced on August 23, 2010.

2010: Record Broken

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

2010: Moves to Jupiter Island

In 2010, Tiger Woods moved to Jupiter Island, Florida, following his divorce from Elin Nordegren.

2012: Niece Turns Professional

In 2012, Tiger Woods's niece, Cheyenne Woods, turned professional, marking the beginning of her career in professional golf.

March 18, 2013: Announces Relationship with Lindsey Vonn

On March 18, 2013, Tiger Woods announced that he and Olympic gold medal skier Lindsey Vonn were dating.

2013: Moves 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 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.

2014: Multiple Back Surgeries

Tiger Woods underwent his fourth back surgery since 2014 to alleviate back and leg pain.

May 2015: Split from Lindsey Vonn

In May 2015, Tiger Woods and Lindsey Vonn ended their relationship.

September 16, 2015: Back Surgery

On September 16, 2015, Tiger Woods underwent back surgery.

April 5, 2016: Attended Masters Champions Dinner

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

November 2016: Relationship with Kristin Smith (Rumored)

From November 2016 to August 2017, Tiger Woods was rumored to be in a relationship with stylist Kristin Smith.

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.

December 2016: Back Surgery and Time Off

In December 2016, Tiger Woods underwent back surgery and spent the next 15 months off the Tour.

August 2017: End of Rumored Relationship with Kristin Smith

In August 2017, the rumored relationship between Tiger Woods and stylist Kristin Smith ended.

November 2017: Golf with President Trump again

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

2017: Undergoes Back Surgeries

Between 2014 and 2017, Tiger Woods underwent four back surgeries, impacting his ability to compete and raising questions about his future in golf. 2017 was the last year of back surgeries.

2017: Continued Back Problems and Fourth Back Surgery

In 2017, Tiger Woods's back problems persisted. He missed the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open, pulled out of a European Tour event in Dubai, and announced he would not play in the 2017 Masters Tournament. In April 2017, he underwent his fourth back surgery since 2014.

August 2019: Woods undergoes knee surgery

In August 2019, Tiger Woods announced via social media that he underwent knee surgery to repair minor cartilage damage and had an arthroscopic procedure during the Tour Championship. He confirmed he was walking and planned to play in Japan in October.

December 2020: Woods undergoes back surgery

In December 2020, Tiger Woods underwent microdiscectomy surgery on his back for the fifth time to alleviate nerve pain experienced during the PNC Championship.

January 2021: Release of Tiger documentary

In January 2021, HBO released a two-part documentary series titled Tiger, made by filmmakers Matthew Hamachek and Matthew Heineman, including interviews with people close to Woods.

February 23, 2021: Hospitalized After Car Accident

On February 23, 2021, Tiger Woods was hospitalized after a single-car collision and underwent emergency surgery for serious leg injuries, posing significant challenges to his career.

November 2021: Indicates Career Change

In November 2021, Tiger Woods indicated that his full-time career as a professional golfer was likely over, although he planned to continue playing "a few events per year", signaling a shift in his career.

2021: Woods involved in motor vehicle crash

In 2021, Tiger Woods was involved in a motor vehicle crash, which impacted his career and led to a period of recovery before returning to professional play.

2022: End of Relationship with Erica Herman

Between late 2017 and late 2022, Tiger Woods dated restaurant manager Erica Herman. However they split up.

2023: Lawsuit by Erica Herman

In early 2023, Erica Herman filed suit against Tiger Woods for compensation, which she later dropped after a Florida judge ruled in favor of Woods.

February 4, 2025: Death of Kultida Woods

February 4, 2025, marked the death of Kultida Woods, Tiger Woods's mother.

March 2025: Amazon MGM Studios acquired the film rights to The Tiger Slam

In March 2025, Amazon MGM Studios acquired the film rights to The Tiger Slam: The Inside Story of the Greatest Golf Ever Played by Kevin Cook. Reinaldo Marcus Green was set to direct the film.