As Tiger Woods celebrates his 50th birthday, he reflects on a roller-coaster career from the ‘Tiger Slam’ to a remarkable 15th major comeback.
TIGER Woods turns 50 on Tuesday, marking a career that has taken him from child prodigy to one of sport’s biggest names.
His journey includes dramatic lows and a memorable 15th major title many thought would never come.
The pinnacle came between 2000 and 2001 when he completed the ‘Tiger Slam’ by holding all four major titles simultaneously.
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While three short of Jack Nicklaus’s record 18 major wins, many argue Woods is golf’s greatest of all time.
His rise began in infancy, imitating his father’s swing at just six months old.
Woods appeared on television with Bob Hope before his third birthday and soon shot 48 for nine holes.
Amateur success turned seamlessly into professional glory, with 54 wins between 1999 and 2006.
He remarkably won the 2008 US Open despite a double stress fracture and knee injury requiring season-ending surgery.
His fall from grace was equally incredible after a 2009 car crash near his home.
The incident led to admissions of infidelity and an “indefinite break” from golf.
Woods returned with a tie for fourth at the 2010 Masters but failed to win that season for the first time as a professional.
After winning five times in 2013, back pain limited him to just 24 events over the next four years.
He underwent spinal fusion surgery in 2017.
The following month, he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and later pleaded guilty to reckless driving.
Back on the PGA Tour in 2018, he crucially felt fit enough to add tournaments to his schedule.
A return to form followed, including leading The Open with eight holes to play and finishing runner-up in the US PGA.
He won the Tour Championship in September 2018.
Exhausted, he lost all four matches at the following week’s Ryder Cup in Paris.
He recovered to play five events in early 2019 before arriving at Augusta for the Masters.
Starting the final round two shots off the lead, Woods held his nerve on a chaotic final day.
His victory marked a 15th major title and first in 11 years, prompting many to label it the greatest comeback in sport. – Bernama-PA Media/dpa
