On December 30, Tiger Woods will celebrate his 50th birthday. In recognition of this milestone, and to commemorate his journey, SI Golf is reflecting on Woods’s life and career by ranking his 50 most significant moments, encompassing his remarkable achievements, business ventures, setbacks, injuries, and controversies.
Last week, we released Part 1 and Part 2 of our series. Today, we delve deeper into the ups and downs of Woods’s extraordinary golfing journey, highlighting moments 30 to 21 on our countdown.
Woods first encountered Elin Nordegren while she was employed as a nanny for Jesper Parnevik’s family in Florida. Initially, Nordegren was reluctant to date Woods, but they eventually began a relationship. The couple tied the knot on October 4, 2004, when Woods was 28 and Nordegren was 24.
The pair had two children, daughter Sam and son Charlie, and for a while, they appeared to lead a fairy tale life. However, the narrative changed dramatically. The couple’s marriage ended in divorce in 2010, following the public revelation of Woods’s numerous extramarital affairs. Despite this, they reportedly maintain a friendly relationship for the sake of their children.
In just his fifth professional tournament, Woods staged a spectacular comeback in Las Vegas, tying Davis Love III before winning in a sudden-death playoff. He completed the event with a score of 27 under par, claiming his first PGA Tour victory, which set the tone for his future successes.
Another memorable moment occurred during the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, where Woods, trailing by seven strokes with only seven holes left, executed a remarkable rally—culminating in a final-round score of 64 and a sixth consecutive PGA Tour victory. This event highlighted his resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
The culmination of Woods’s career has also not been without personal struggles. After a challenging year marked by his father’s illness, Woods experienced setbacks, including missing the cut at the U.S. Open, but he rallied to secure emotional victories—showcasing his undying spirit and competitive edge.
