Golf has known no greater icon than Tiger Woods, a name that transcends any particular sport to serve as synonymous with worldwide fame translating into a huge Tiger Woods net worth making him one of highest paid athletes in history. What is less known is that Tiger Woods net worth rivals his on-course achievements and is known for an extraordinary talent, a relentless drive for success and game-changing impact on golf. In this article by Sports Buddy, we take a deep dive into Tiger Woods net worth, how he became a child prodigy, and a billionaire athlete.
Tiger Woods Early Life: The Making of a Prodigy
Earl and Kultida Woods gave birth to Eldrick Tont “Tiger” Woods on December 30, 1975 in Cypress, California. Tiger’s father, Earl, was a retired U.S. Army officer, and an avid golfer, who got Tiger playing the game when he was a toddler.
Tiger was already showing extraordinary skills at the age of two and had already made appearance on national television. His father’s mentorship and his mother’s Thai heritage instilled discipline, focus, and perspective on work in him.
There was no denying the talent Woods had in his early days. He was already competing against much older players and always winning by the time he was in elementary school.
He moved on to Western High School in Anaheim, where he continued to improve, and earned a golf scholarship to Stanford University in 1994. At Stanford he won several amateur championships, including three consecutive US Amateur championships, cementing his place as a rising star on the tour.
Tiger Woods Professional and Career Achievements
In 1996, Tiger Woods went professional and the world of golf has never been the same. He had an immediate impact, winning his first Masters Tournament in 1997 at the age of 21. It’s historic—for he’s the first African-American to win the title and the youngest ever to do so.
Over the course of his career, Woods has guzzled a consequent 82 PGA Tour triumphs, equaling the all time record, and 15 major championships. His achievements include:
1. The Masters Tournament
He has won the Masters five times (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2019). His 2019 victory, after an 11 year drought without a major, is considered by many as one of the best comebacks in sports history.
2. U.S. Open
He has won three U.S. Open titles (2000, 2002, 2008). He won in 2008 after returning from a severe knee injury to defeat Rocco Mediate in a playoff.
3. The Open Championship
Adaptability to different playing conditions is nothing new for Woods, who has three wins at The Open Championship (2000, 2005, 2006).
4. PGA Championship
Woods also formally staked claim to this major tournament — with four wins (1999, 2000, 2006, 2007).
He also has the ability to dominate a tournament for extended periods of time — a feat that made his career. Known as the world’s top-ranked golfer for a record 683 weeks from 1999 to 2008, it’s unlikely he’ll ever be eclipsed.
Tiger Woods Net Worth
Tiger Woods net worth currently stands at $1.3 billion, making him part of an exclusive club of athletes that have become billionaires. Tournament winnings, endorsements and strategic business ventures make up his Tiger Woods net worth.
The highest-earning golfer in history is Tiger Woods, who is approaching over $120 million in PGA Tour prize money which contributed massively to Tiger Woods net worth. In the late 1990s and 2000s, when he was at the peak of his career, he was virtually unbeaten in cricket.
Woods has been a marketing maniac, earning in the hundreds of millions through endorsement deals. Notable partnerships include:
- Nike
- Rolex
- TaylorMade and Bridgestone Golf
- Monster Energy and Gatorade
- Buick and EA Sports
For several years, he once made around $100 million a year from his endorsements without including his salary which also contributed to his net worth.
Woods has diversified his income through investments and entrepreneurial ventures, including:
TGR Ventures: Managing a number of businesses such as TGR Design, which designs golf courses around the world.
The Woods Jupiter: A Florida high end sports bar and restaurant.
Golf Course Design: Besides that, Woods has designed courses like Bluejack National in Texas and Payne’s Valley in Missouri to continue to expand his wealth.
Real Estate: In addition to the Florida property, Woods owns numerous estates, including a $54 million estate in Jupiter Island, Florida, including a private golf course.
Woods has continued to earn a top wage in golf despite controversies and injuries adding to Tiger Woods net worth. After injuries, his return to competitive play has only made him more appealing to sponsors and fans alike.
Tiger Woods Family and Personal Life
Swedish model Elin Nordegren and Tiger Woods were married from 2004 to 2010. Woods’ divorce followed in a messy and expensive divorce, costing him in excess of $100 million in settlements which affected Tiger Woods net worth. Woods is a devoted father to his two children, Sam Alexis and Charlie Axel, and the couple has one child.
Like his father, Charlie has already been showing great golfing talent at a young age. But a devoted father like Woods often attends Charlie’s tournaments.
Tiger Woods Impact on Golf and Beyond
Golf’s diversification of the player and fan base, and its bringing golf to mainstream audiences, has been largely credited to Tiger Woods. He is the man behind the reality of it all: prize money, sponsorship deals, global viewership, etc.
The Tiger Woods Foundation, established in 1996, supports education and community programs through him. Scholarships are provided to underprivileged students and STEM education is promoted.
Woods has been a biracial athlete breaking the racial barrier that dominates a sport typically viewed as white, not white, inspiring countless players and fans around the world.
