|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tiger Woods has emerged as the single most influential figure on the American sports scene. A golfing prodigy from the time he was a toddler, Woods is well on his way to becoming the greatest golfer in the history of the sport as well as the greatest corporate spokesman ever.
Though just under 30 years old, Woods has seemingly been around forever. At the age of two, he was on television in a putting contest with Bob Hope. By the age of five, he had been featured in Golf Digest Magazine. In junior competitions, he dominated amateur golf in a way no other player had in history.
Turning pro in 1996, Woods continued his unprecedented success. He won two tournaments as a rookie and, by 1997, had already established himself as the No. 1 player in the world.
His 2000 season was one of the greatest enjoyed by any golfer in history. He won 11 tournaments that year, shattering his own record for earnings. More importantly, he came up with consecutive victories in the US Open, British Open and PGA. Woods has continued his mastery of the golf world, earning Player of the Year honors in 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003.
After a relatively disappointing 2004 season, Woods roared back in 2005 to enjoy yet another remarkable season, He won his fourth Masters, finished second at the US Open, won his second British Open at St. Andrews and finished fourth at the PGA.
Woods is so venerated as golfer and as a person that he has earned far more money from endorsements than any other active athlete. He was recognized by Forbes magazine as the No. 1 athlete and No. 2 celebrity overall in terms of earnings.
|
|
|
|
|
|
