The date is April 11, 1997. The crowds are going wild. Tiger Woods had just won the Masters, one of the four most important golf tournaments in the world. Not only did he win the tournament; he had also won by more strokes than any other player ever to win the masters had! As he hugs his father, Earl Woods, tears of joy stream down his face. Ever since he was a young child he wanted to be the Michael Jordan of golf. He wanted to be the best ever. His dream had come true. Tiger Woods had just received the title of being the greatest golfer in the world.
"Tiger" Wood's nickname comes from a Vietnam War buddy of his father. From the time his son was born, Earl always called his son "Tiger" in honor of a Vietnamese friend who was named Vuong Phong but known as Tiger because of his strong will and determination.
Woods at age 2 on The Mike Douglas Show. From left...
Tiger Woods during a practice round at the Masters
English: in 2007 Esperanto: en la jaro 2007Earl and Vuong fought side by side and on two occasions Vuong saved his life. He swore at that time that he would call his son "Tiger" in honor of his friend. A few years later his friend died. Earl had never picked up a golf club until at the age of 43 when a buddy got him to come out to the course and give it a try. When he played it that day he fell in love with the sport. He said that if he had a son he would introduce him to the sport when he was young so he'd get a chance to play early in life. His wife Kultida gave birth to a son two years after Earl had made this promise to himself, on December 30, 1975.
While most six-month-olds are content spilling their milk, or...