Eldrick (Tiger) Woods, had an unprecedented start since becoming a professional golfer in the late summer of 1996. He has won 29 tournaments, 23 of those on the PGA TOUR, including the 1997 Masters Tournament, 1999 and 2000 PGA Championships, 2000 U.S. Open Championship, and 2000 British Open Championship. He is the career victories leader among active players on the PGA TOUR. In winning the British Open, Woods became the youngest to complete the career Grand Slam of professional major championships and only the fifth ever to do so. Tiger also was the youngest Masters champion ever, at the age of 21 years, three months and 14 days, and was the first major championship winner of African or Asian heritage. Woods also holds the record for the low score in relation to par in each of the four major championships. Woods compiled one of the most impressive amateur records in golf history, winning six USGA national championships, plus the NCAA title, before turning professional on August 27, 1996. He concluded his amateur career by winning an unprecedented third consecutive U.S. Amateur title, finishing with a record 18 consecutive match-play victories. Sports Illustrated selected Woods as 1996 Sportsman of the Year. He achieved No. 1 on the Official World Golf Ranking for the most rapid progression ever to that position. On June 15, 1997, Woods became the youngest-ever No. 1 golfer at age 21.986. Woods received such rewards as, The Associated Press chose Woods as the Male Athlete of the Year for 1997 and 1999; ESPY Male Athlete of the Year in 1997; and was selected as 1997, 1999 and 2000 Player of the Year by the PGA TOUR (Jack Nicklaus Award), the PGA of America, and the Golf Writers Association of America. He also earned the Byron Nelson Award on the PGA TOUR and the Vardon Trophy from the PGA of America.
Tiger Woods