Golf legend Tiger Woods celebrates his 50th birthday this Tuesday, marking a milestone in a career that transformed the sport and turned it into an unprecedented cultural phenomenon.
A Legacy Forged in the History of Golf
Woods, with his aggressive and dominant style, redefined the way modern golf is played, accumulating historical achievements and leaving an indelible mark on the sport. His impact extends beyond sports, boosting audiences, millionaire prizes, and unprecedented advertising contracts.
- 15 ‘major’ titles
- 82 PGA Tour wins
- 683 weeks as world number one
- 142 consecutive tournaments making the cut
Among his most remembered triumphs is the 1999 PGA Championship, where he defeated Sergio García in a duel that was recorded as one of the great moments of contemporary golf.
His relationship with Nike, which lasted more than two decades, made him the image of golf, accumulating a fortune of over $1 billion.
Challenges and Resilience
Woods’ career was not without its challenges. A car accident in 2009 and personal scandals marked a turning point. In 2021, he suffered a serious traffic accident in Los Angeles that caused multiple fractures in his right leg, drastically limiting his presence on the circuit.
Currently, he is away from the fields, after rupturing his Achilles tendon and undergoing back surgery.
Despite these adversities, Woods has demonstrated a remarkable ability to recover and remains an iconic figure in the world of sports.
A New Role in Golf
At 50 years old, Woods has taken on a new key role in professional golf. He was appointed chairman of the PGA Tour’s Future Competition Committee, created to modernize the circuit and face the challenge of LIV Golf.
With changes planned for 2027, Woods leads an effort aimed at revitalizing the PGA.
Woods’ last professional appearance dates back to July 2024, when he did not make the cut at the British Open.
