Few athletes have dominated a sport the way Tiger Woods dominated golf — and then had their life play out so publicly in the aftermath. This article separates verified fact from speculation, covering his legendary career, his financial empire, and what his life looks like after the 2021 car accident. With 82 PGA Tour wins and 15 major championships (TigerWoods.com official records), Woods remains one of the most compelling figures in sports.

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Age: 49 (born December 30, 1975) ·
Net worth (Forbes 2024): US$1.1 billion ·
PGA Tour wins: 82 ·
Major championships: 15 ·
Children: 2

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact current net worth: fluctuates with markets and endorsements
  • Whether Woods will ever play a full PGA Tour schedule again
  • Status of his relationship with Erica Herman
3Timeline signal
  • April 1997: Wins Masters by 12 strokes – first major (TigerWoods.com biography)
  • November 2009: Car crash outside home; scandal erupts (Biography.com)
  • April 2019: Wins Masters, 15th major after 11-year drought (PGA Tour)
  • February 23, 2021: Serious car accident in Los Angeles (Biography.com)
4What’s next
  • Woods plays only a few tournaments per year; no retirement announced (PGA Tour)
  • Lingering leg and back issues limit his schedule (PGA Tour)
  • Continued involvement in TGR Ventures and course design (PGA Tour)

Six key facts, one pattern: the official record is precise — the softer numbers, like net worth, are estimates.

Field Detail
Full name Eldrick Tont Woods
Born December 30, 1975 (Cypress, California)
Height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Spouse Elin Nordegren (m. 2004; div. 2010)
Children 2 (Sam Alexis, Charlie Axel)
Professional wins 106 (82 PGA Tour)

Why is Tiger Woods so famous?

Early career and amateur success

  • Won three consecutive U.S. Amateur titles (1994–1996) — a feat unmatched for decades (TigerWoods.com biography)
  • Turned professional in August 1996 at age 20 (Biography.com)
  • Won his first PGA Tour event in October 1996, only months after turning pro

Dominance in major championships

  • Won the 1997 Masters by 12 strokes, the largest margin in tournament history (TigerWoods.com biography)
  • Accumulated 15 major titles, second only to Jack Nicklaus (18) (TigerWoods.com official records)
  • Held all four major championship trophies simultaneously from 2000 to 2001 — the “Tiger Slam” (PGA Tour)

Cultural and commercial impact

  • Became the first billionaire golfer in 2022, per Forbes (Forbes profile)
  • Endorsement deals with Nike, TaylorMade, Rolex, and Monster Energy have spanned decades
  • His 2019 Masters victory was the most-watched golf telecast in history (CBS)
Why this matters

Woods didn’t just win — he changed how golf is marketed, how it’s televised, and how much athletes can earn off the course. His 82 wins tie Sam Snead, but his off-course income dwarfs every golfer before him.

The pattern: Woods’ fame is a compound of historic performance and global endorsements. No other golfer has matched both.

What has happened to Tiger Woods?

2009 personal scandal and divorce

  • In November 2009, a car crash outside his Florida home triggered revelations of extramarital affairs (Biography.com)
  • Divorce from Elin Nordegren was finalized in August 2010 (Biography.com)
  • Woods lost several major sponsors temporarily, though Nike stuck with him

Injuries and multiple back surgeries

  • Underwent five microdiscectomy surgeries on his back between April 2014 and January 2021 (PGA Tour)
  • Missed the 2015 and 2016 seasons due to back issues

2019 Masters comeback

  • Won the 2019 Masters, his 15th major, ending an 11-year drought (PGA Tour)
  • Described the victory as “one of the best feelings I’ve ever had” (PGA Tour)

February 2021 car accident

  • Suffered comminuted open fractures to upper and lower right leg, plus significant ankle trauma (PGA Tour)
  • Doctors inserted a rod, screws, and pins to stabilize the leg (PGA Tour)
  • Returned home March 16, 2021, and began rehabilitation (Biography.com)
The catch

Woods’ body has absorbed a decade of surgical interventions. The 2021 accident added severe orthopedic injuries to an already fragile back. Every start since 2022 has been a calculated risk.

The implication: Woods’ career after 2009 is a story of resilience, but each comeback has come with a shorter runway. The 2021 accident may have permanently capped his playing days.

How many children does Tiger Woods have?

Sam Alexis Woods

  • Born June 18, 2007 (TigerWoods Career Summary)
  • Often seen supporting her father at tournaments, but keeps a low public profile

Charlie Axel Woods

  • Born February 8, 2009 (TigerWoods Career Summary)
  • Has gained attention as a junior golfer, competing in father-son events with Tiger (PGA Tour)
  • Won the 2024 Notah Begay III Junior National Championship at age 15

What this means: Woods’ children are growing up in the public eye, but the official records from his career summary provide the only verifiable details — birth dates, names, and no speculation about custody or lifestyle.

Is Tiger Woods a billionaire now?

Sources of wealth

  • Prize money: over $120 million in career earnings (PGA Tour)
  • Endorsements: Nike, TaylorMade, Rolex, Monster Energy, and others have paid him an estimated $500 million+ over his career
  • TGR Ventures: his investment firm manages course design, a restaurant, and real estate

Forbes billionaire status

  • Forbes reported Woods’ net worth at $1.1 billion in 2022, making him the first billionaire golfer (Forbes profile)
  • Income from appearance fees and off-course ventures continues to flow even with limited play

Endorsement deals

  • Nike signed him in 1996 and renewed in 2013 for a reported $200 million/10 years
  • TaylorMade equipment deal reportedly worth $100 million
  • Rolex ambassador since 2011
The upshot

Woods is a billionaire because his brand outlasted his competitive peak. Endorsements, not prize money, built the fortune. That makes his net worth less dependent on tournament results than any other golfer’s.

The trade-off: Woods’ wealth is estimated, not audited. Forbes uses a mix of public earnings, endorsement estimates, and asset valuations. The exact number moves with market conditions.

Is Tiger Woods still playing golf?

Post-accident appearances

  • Returned at the 2022 Masters, finishing 47th (PGA Tour)
  • Made the cut at the 2024 Masters but finished last after weekend rounds of 82 and 77 (PGA Tour)
  • Limited to about 2-3 PGA Tour starts per year since 2022

2023-2024 tournament schedule

  • Played in the 2023 Genesis Invitational and the 2023 Masters
  • Withdrew from the 2023 Masters due to foot injury
  • As of early 2025, has not played in any official events since the 2024 Masters

Future outlook

  • Woods has said he “won’t be a full-time player ever again” (Biography.com)
  • Continues to practice and design courses through TGR Design
  • No retirement announcement; all signs point to a part-time schedule for the foreseeable future

Why this matters: For fans, every Woods start is a numbered event. The 2024 Masters showed he can still make cuts, but the physical toll is visible. The question is not whether he can win again but whether he can walk 72 holes without pain.

Timeline: Key events in Tiger Woods’ life

Ten events, one arc: from prodigy to icon, through scandal, injury, and a comeback that defied odds.

Date Event
Born in Cypress, California
1994–1996 Won three consecutive U.S. Amateur titles
Turned professional
Won the Masters by 12 strokes – first major
2000–2001 Held all four major titles simultaneously (Tiger Slam)
Car crash outside his home; scandal erupts
Divorce from Elin Nordegren finalized
Won the Masters; 15th major after 11-year drought
Serious car accident in Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Returned to competitive golf at the Masters

Confirmed facts

  • Won 15 major championships (TigerWoods.com official records)
  • Net worth $1.1 billion (Forbes 2022) (Forbes profile)
  • Two children: Sam (b.2007) and Charlie (b.2009) (TigerWoods Career Summary)
  • Divorced from Elin Nordegren in 2010
  • 82 PGA Tour wins, tied with Sam Snead (TigerWoods.com official records)

What’s unclear

  • Exact current net worth (fluctuates with markets)
  • Whether he will ever play a full schedule again
  • Status of relationship with Erica Herman
  • Full details of his 2021 injury recovery timeline

“He will win more majors than Arnold Palmer and me combined.”

— Jack Nicklaus (PGA Tour)

“It’s one of the best feelings I’ve ever had.”

— Tiger Woods after the 2019 Masters (PGA Tour)

Tiger Woods’ story is a study in extremes: the highest highs in golf history, a very public fall, and a recovery that is still in progress. For the casual fan, the verified facts are clear: 15 majors, 82 wins, two children, and a billion-dollar fortune. The unknowns — his competitive future, his personal relationships, the exact state of his body — are the reasons people keep watching. Woods’ name still carries value, but his playing days are now a bonus, not a guarantee.

Additional sources

economictimes.com, news.tigerwoods.com, abc7ny.com, pgatour.com, tigerwoods.com, pgatour.com, en.wikipedia.org

For a detailed look at his journey from prodigy to global icon, see Tiger Woods biography and net worth.

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Frequently asked questions

Why did Tiger’s wife leave him?

Elin Nordegren filed for divorce in 2010 after revelations of Tiger Woods’ extramarital affairs. The divorce was finalized in August 2010 with a reported settlement of $100 million.

Who is the wealthiest golfer ever?

Tiger Woods is the wealthiest golfer ever, with a net worth of $1.1 billion, according to Forbes (Forbes profile).

Which golfer is a billionaire?

Tiger Woods is the only golfer known to have reached billionaire status, as reported by Forbes in 2022.

How old is Tiger Woods?

Born December 30, 1975, Tiger Woods is 49 years old as of early 2025.

Who is Kultida Woods?

Kultida Woods is Tiger Woods’ mother. She is of Thai descent and has been a constant presence in his life, often attending his tournaments.

What is Tiger Woods’ house like?

Woods owns a waterfront estate in Hobe Sound, Florida, which includes a private golf course, boat dock, and multiple buildings. The property was listed for sale in 2023 for $16.5 million.

What is Charlie Woods’ golf potential?

Charlie Woods, born in 2009, has shown impressive talent in junior golf, winning the 2024 Notah Begay III Junior National Championship. He regularly competes alongside his father in PNC Championship events (PGA Tour).

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