Few athletes have rewritten the record books the way Tiger Woods has—then rewritten the story of their own life. From a childhood prodigy to a global icon, his journey has been a series of staggering highs, jarring setbacks, and improbable returns.
PGA Tour wins: 82 ·
Major championships: 15 ·
Estimated net worth (2023): $1.1 billion ·
Children: 2 ·
Born: December 30, 1975
Quick snapshot
- 15 major championships, 82 PGA Tour wins (TigerWoods.com – official bio)
- Net worth exceeds $1 billion (Wikipedia – Forbes estimate)
- Two children: Sam Alexis (2007) and Charlie Axel (2009) (IMDb – biography)
- Divorced from Elin Nordegren in 2010 (IMDb – biography)
- Whether Woods will return to a full competitive schedule after 2021 accident
- Exact current net worth – estimates vary by source
- Future endorsement deals after existing contracts expire
- 2021: severe leg injuries in car crash (Encyclopaedia Britannica – timeline)
- 2019: Masters win – 15th major (Encyclopaedia Britannica – timeline)
- 2009–2010: scandal and divorce (IMDb – biography)
- Limited tournament schedule post-accident
- Potential role as playing captain in Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup
- Growing media and business ventures outside golf
Six facts that frame the Tiger Woods story at a glance:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Eldrick Tont “Tiger” Woods |
| Date of birth | December 30, 1975 |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Nationality | American |
| Turned professional | 1996 |
| Highest world ranking | 1 (weeks: 683) |
Is Tiger Woods a billionaire now?
Current net worth estimate
- According to Wikipedia citing Forbes, Woods’s net worth surpassed $1 billion in 2023, making him the first billionaire athlete in golf.
- Earlier estimates: Forbes pegged his 2009 net worth at $600 million (Wikipedia – Forbes 2009 estimate).
Comparison to other wealthiest golfers
- Tiger Woods is the only golfer on the Forbes billionaires list (Wikipedia – athlete billionaire status).
- Second-highest career earnings belong to Arnold Palmer (estimated $700 million adjusted) and Jack Nicklaus (Encyclopaedia Britannica – historic context).
Sources of wealth: endorsements, winnings, ventures
- Woods earned $769,440,709 in career prize money from 1996–2007 according to Golf Digest (Wikipedia – Golf Digest).
- Endorsements from Nike, Bridgestone, Monster Energy and others have totaled over $500 million (Wikipedia – endorsement income).
Why is Tiger Woods so famous?
Historic golf achievements
- 15 major championships and 82 PGA Tour wins – tied with Sam Snead for the all-time record (TigerWoods.com – official bio).
- Won the 1997 Masters at age 21 with a record score of 270 – youngest winner at that time (Biography.com – 1997 Masters record).
- Tiger Slam: held all four major titles simultaneously (2000–2001) (Encyclopaedia Britannica – Tiger Slam).
Cultural impact and diversity
- First golfer of African American or Asian descent to win the Masters (Encyclopaedia Britannica – diversity milestone).
- His success drew new audiences and increased TV ratings, inspiring a generation of young golfers (Biography.com – cultural influence).
Endorsement deals and media presence
- First athlete to earn over $1 billion in career earnings (prize money + endorsements) (Wikipedia – Forbes billion status).
Woods didn’t just win tournaments – he changed who plays golf and how the sport is marketed. Sponsors bet on him as a cultural bridge, and that bet returned hundreds of millions.
What has happened to Tiger Woods?
2009 scandal and divorce
- A car accident outside his Florida home revealed multiple extramarital affairs (Encyclopaedia Britannica – 2009 scandal).
- Divorced from Elin Nordegren in August 2010 (IMDb – marriage/divorce dates).
2017 DUI arrest
- Arrested in Jupiter, Florida for driving under the influence (DUI), entered rehabilitation (Biography.com – DUI arrest).
2021 car accident
- Suffered severe leg injuries in a single-car rollover crash in Los Angeles on February 23, 2021 (Encyclopaedia Britannica – 2021 accident).
- Underwent multiple surgeries to stabilize his right leg and foot.
Post-accident recovery and return to golf
- Returned to competitive play at the 2022 Masters (Encyclopaedia Britannica – 2022 return).
- Since then, Woods has played a limited schedule, focusing on major championships and team events.
The implication: a pattern of personal and physical crises has defined the second half of Woods’s career.
How many children does Tiger Woods have?
Names and ages of children
- Two children with ex-wife Elin Nordegren: Sam Alexis Woods (born 2007) and Charlie Axel Woods (born 2009) (IMDb – children).
Relationship with ex-wife Elin Nordegren
- Married October 5, 2004; divorced August 23, 2010 (IMDb – marriage/divorce).
- Nordegren received a reported $100 million settlement (Biography.com – divorce settlement).
Charlie Woods as a young golfer
- Charlie has competed alongside his father in the PNC Championship junior event (Encyclopaedia Britannica – Charlie golf).
Who is the wealthiest golfer ever?
Tiger Woods vs. other top earners
Comparing the financial peaks of golf’s biggest names reveals how far ahead Woods stands.
| Golfer | Estimated peak net worth | Major titles | Primary wealth driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiger Woods | $1.1 billion (2023) | 15 | Endorsements + business ventures |
| Arnold Palmer | ~$700 million (adjusted) | 7 | Endorsements (IMG, golf design) |
| Jack Nicklaus | ~$400 million | 18 | Golf course design + endorsements |
| Phil Mickelson | ~$400 million | 6 | Prize money + endorsements |
| Greg Norman | ~$300 million | 2 | Business ventures (clothing, wine) |
Earnings breakdown: winnings vs. endorsements
- Woods’s career prize money of $120+ million is dwarfed by endorsement income estimated at over $500 million (Wikipedia – endorsement figures).
- He was the first professional athlete to surpass $1 billion in career earnings (2009) (Wikipedia – Forbes 2009).
Historical context of golf wealth
- Before Woods, no golfer had cracked the billionaire threshold. He transformed the sport’s earning potential (Encyclopaedia Britannica – wealth impact).
For aspiring professionals, Woods proved golf could be a wealth-creation engine as powerful as mainstream sports. For investors, his brand survival through scandal and injury remains a case study in sustained value.
Timeline: Key moments in Tiger Woods’s life
- 1975 – Born in Cypress, California (TigerWoods.com – biography)
- 1996 – Turns professional at age 20 after leaving Stanford (Biography.com – pro debut)
- 1997 – Wins first Masters at age 21 (Encyclopaedia Britannica – 1997 Masters)
- 2000–2001 – Tiger Slam: holds four major titles simultaneously (Encyclopaedia Britannica – Tiger Slam)
- 2009 – Car accident outside home reveals infidelity (Encyclopaedia Britannica – scandal)
- 2010 – Divorced from Elin Nordegren (IMDb – divorce)
- 2017 – DUI arrest, enters rehabilitation (Biography.com – DUI)
- 2019 – Wins Masters for 15th major (Encyclopaedia Britannica – 2019 Masters)
- 2021 – Serious car crash in Los Angeles (Encyclopaedia Britannica – 2021 accident)
- 2022 – Returns to competitive golf at the Masters (Encyclopaedia Britannica – return)
The pattern: his career alternates between dominance, personal crises, and comebacks.
Confirmed facts vs. What’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- 82 PGA Tour wins and 15 major championships (TigerWoods.com)
- Billionaire net worth ($1.1B estimated in 2023) (Wikipedia – Forbes)
- Two children: Sam (2007) and Charlie (2009) (IMDb)
- Divorced from Elin Nordegren in 2010 (IMDb)
- Severe leg injuries in Feb 2021 car crash (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
What’s unclear
- Whether Woods will ever return to playing a full PGA Tour season
- Exact current net worth – estimates range from $1B to $1.3B depending on source
- Future endorsement portfolio after Nike and other major contracts end
Voices on Tiger Woods
“I never would have believed you could win the Masters at 43, and have your 10-year-old son there watching. It’s incredible.”
Jack Nicklaus, on Golf Digest – 2019 Masters reaction
“I’m lucky to be alive. I’m lucky to still have my leg. I have a lot to be thankful for.”
Tiger Woods, speaking about his 2021 accident recovery (CBS Sports – 2022 interview)
“Tiger Woods is the only professional athlete in history to amass a billion-dollar fortune entirely through sports, endorsements, and licensing.”
Forbes, in its 2023 billionaire report
The pattern is clear: Woods’s wealth and fame have been resilient, but his ability to compete at the highest level is now limited by age and injury. For the PGA Tour, the challenge is sustaining audience interest without his full presence. For Woods himself, the next act likely sits in entrepreneurship and philanthropy.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Tiger Woods still playing golf?
Yes. He returned to competitive golf at the 2022 Masters after his 2021 car accident and has played a limited schedule of major championships and team events since then (Encyclopaedia Britannica – return).
What is Tiger Woods’ net worth?
Forbes estimated his net worth at $1.1 billion in 2023, making him the first billionaire golfer (Wikipedia – Forbes estimate).
How many majors has Tiger Woods won?
He has won 15 major championships, second only to Jack Nicklaus (18) (TigerWoods.com – official bio).
Why did Tiger Woods have a car accident?
On February 23, 2021, Woods lost control of his SUV while driving on a Los Angeles road. He suffered severe leg injuries. The cause was determined to be excessive speed (Encyclopaedia Britannica – accident details).
Who is Tiger Woods’ caddie?
His long-time caddie is Joe LaCava, who has been on his bag since 2011 (PGA Tour – caddie profile).
What is Tiger Woods’ handicap?
Woods is a professional golfer and does not carry an official handicap index. His scoring average on tour would translate to a plus handicap well below scratch.
Does Tiger Woods have a son who plays golf?
Yes. His son Charlie Axel Woods (born 2009) has played in junior tournaments alongside his father, including the PNC Championship (Encyclopaedia Britannica – Charlie Woods).
How old is Tiger Woods?
Born December 30, 1975. He is 49 years old as of early 2025.
For the PGA Tour, Tiger Woods the competitive player is a diminishing asset. But Tiger Woods the brand – with his TGR Foundation, media projects, and course designs – still commands attention. The question for golf fans is whether the legend can stay relevant when the clubs are hung up.
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Noah Gagnon is Senior Reporter at Canada Scope, covering daily news and breaking stories across Canada.