Tiger Woods: Life, Major Wins, Records, and the 2021 Crash
Few athletes rewrite their sport. Tiger Woods did. From his first Masters win in 1997 to his 2019 triumph, he built a career of breathtaking comebacks. Yet the 2021 Tiger Woods crash nearly ended it all. This guide maps his life, records, injuries, recovery, and lasting impact—so you can understand the full story without endless searching.
Quick Facts
- Full name: Eldrick Tont Woods
- Born: December 30, 1975, Cypress, California
- Turned professional: August 1996
- PGA Tour wins: 82, tied with Sam Snead
- Major championships: 15
- Career Grand Slams: 3
- 2021 crash date: February 23
- Primary injury: Open fractures to right tibia and fibula, shattered right ankle
Who Is Tiger Woods?
Tiger Woods was born Eldrick Tont Woods on December 30, 1975, in Cypress, California. His father, Earl Woods, introduced him to golf before age two. Woods appeared on The Mike Douglas Show at age two and amazed audiences with a smooth swing. He won three straight U.S. Junior Amateur titles and three consecutive U.S. Amateur titles before turning professional in 1996.
Career Timeline and Major Wins
Woods turned professional in August 1996 and signed with Nike. His first PGA Tour victory came two months later in Las Vegas. By April 1997, he won the Masters by 12 strokes, a record margin. The timeline below shows key moments.
- 1978: Appeared on national television at age two.
- 1991–1993: Won three consecutive U.S. Junior Amateur titles.
- 1994–1996: Won three consecutive U.S. Amateur titles.
- 1996: Turned professional and signed with Nike.
- 1997: Won the Masters by 12 strokes.
- 2000–2001: Held all four major titles at once, the “Tiger Slam.”
- 2008: Won the U.S. At Torrey Pines, open on a fractured leg.
- 2019: Won the Masters for his 15th major after 11 years.
- 2021: Survived a severe single-vehicle crash.
- 2024: Made a record 24th consecutive cut at the Masters.
Major Championship Record
The table lists 15 major victories, verified by PGA Tour records.
| Year | Tournament | Score to Par | Margin | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Masters | -12 | 12 strokes | First major; largest Masters margin |
| 1999 | PGA Championship | -11 | 1 stroke | Defeated Sergio Garcia |
| 2000 | U.S. Open | -12 | 15 strokes | Pebble Beach blowout |
| 2000 | The Open | -19 | 8 strokes | Completed career Grand Slam at St Andrews |
| 2000 | PGA Championship | -18 | Playoff | Defeated Bob May |
| 2001 | Masters | -16 | 2 strokes | Held all four majors simultaneously |
| 2002 | Masters | -12 | 3 strokes | Defended title |
| 2002 | U.S. Open | -3 | 3 strokes | Beat Phil Mickelson |
| 2005 | Masters | -12 | Playoff | Defeated Chris DiMarco |
| 2005 | The Open | -14 | 5 strokes | Second St Andrews win |
| 2006 | The Open | -18 | 2 strokes | Hoylake tactical masterclass |
| 2006 | PGA Championship | -18 | 5 strokes | Medinah win |
| 2007 | PGA Championship | -8 | 2 strokes | Southern Hills win |
| 2008 | U.S. Open | -1 | Playoff | Torrey Pines on broken leg |
| 2019 | Masters | -13 | 1 stroke | First major in 11 years |
How Did Woods Change Golf?
Woods changed golf by combining power, precision, and mental discipline. He brought athleticism to a sport often viewed as leisure. Television ratings soared when he played, and tournament purses grew. Golf courses lengthened and tightened fairways in a process called “Tiger-proofing.” His 1997 Masters win inspired a generation of minority and junior golfers.
Tiger Woods Crash: What Happened on February 23, 2021?
On February 23, 2021, Tiger Woods drove a Genesis GV80 along Hawthorne Boulevard in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. The vehicle crossed the center median, hit a curb, struck a tree, and rolled multiple times. First responders used a pry bar and axe to remove him through the windshield. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed speed caused the crash, but no charges were filed. Woods had no memory of the accident. Doctors performed emergency surgery on his right leg that same day.
Injuries and Recovery Timeline
Tiger Woods suffered comminuted open fractures in the upper and lower right tibia, a shattered right ankle, and damage to surrounding muscle and tissue. A rod, screws, and pins were implanted by surgeons. He spent weeks in the hospital before returning home.
- February 23, 2021: Crash and emergency surgery.
- March 2021: Follow-up procedures and hospital discharge.
- November 2021: Posted a video of hitting golf balls.
- April 2022: Returned at the Masters and made the cut.
- April 2023: Withdrew from the Masters and underwent ankle fusion surgery.
- April 2024: Set the Masters record with 24 consecutive made cuts.
Net Worth and Business Ventures
Tiger Woods built a fortune through golf earnings, endorsements, and business ventures. His PGA Tour career earnings exceed $120 million, according to PGA Tour records. Forbes estimates his net worth at $1.3 billion. Woods founded TGR Ventures, launched TGL indoor golf league, and created the Sun Day Red clothing brand. His golf course design firm has built courses worldwide.
Philanthropy and Foundation
Tiger Woods founded the TGR Foundation in 1996 with his father Earl. The organization runs learning labs, STEM education programs, and college-access initiatives. Millions of pupils have benefited from its programs. The Hero World Challenge and Genesis Open also support foundation programs.
Family and Personal Life
Tiger Woods has two children, Sam Alexis and Charlie Axel, with his former wife Elin Nordegren. Charlie plays competitive junior golf and often appears alongside his father. Woods credits his mother Kultida for his mental toughness. He has mostly kept his private life quiet since the 2009 scandal and 2010 divorce.
Rivalries and Legacy
Tiger Woods defined an era through rivalries with Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh, Ernie Els, and Sergio Garcia. He won head-to-head battles and often held the number one ranking. His 683 weeks atop the Official World Golf Ranking remain a record. Many players cite Woods as their reason for playing golf. His legacy includes making golf a global, prime-time sport.
Training and Preparation
Tiger Woods approaches training with high intensity. Early in his career, he ran, lifted weights, and practiced for hours after tournament rounds. After multiple back and leg surgeries, Woods adapted to shorter practice sessions and recovery protocols. He studies course layouts and shot patterns. His preparation still includes early-morning workouts and precise short-game drills.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tiger Woods
How many majors has Tiger Woods won?
Tiger Woods has won 15 major championships. His wins span from the 1997 Masters to the 2019 Masters.
What happened in the Tiger Woods crash?
In the Tiger Woods crash, the SUV crossed the center median, hit a curb, and struck a tree. No charges were filed.
What injuries did Woods suffer in the crash?
Woods suffered open fractures to his right tibia and fibula, plus a shattered right ankle. Doctors inserted a rod, screws, and pins.
Did Woods win after his 2021 car crash?
Woods has not won a PGA Tour event since the crash. He returned at the 2022 Masters and made the cut, but wins have not followed.
What is Woods’ net worth?
Woods’ net worth is estimated at $1.3 billion, according to Forbes. His PGA Tour career earnings exceed $120 million.
How old was Woods when he turned professional?
Woods turned professional in August 1996 at age 20. He signed with Nike and won his first PGA Tour event two months later.