Tiger Woods at 50: A Legendary Career Timeline
Tiger Woods turns 50 on Tuesday, capping a lifetime in the spotlight that began when he was just a toddler. Here’s a look at the defining moments that shaped his extraordinary career.
Oct. 6, 1978 — At just 2 years old, Tiger makes his television debut on “The Mike Douglas Show,” hitting a driver while comedian Bob Hope watches in amazement.
July 28, 1991 — Wins the first of three consecutive U.S. Junior Amateur titles, defeating Brad Zwetschke in 19 holes at Bay Hill. This victory signaled the arrival of a special talent.
Aug. 28, 1994 — Claims the first of three straight U.S. Amateur championships with a clutch putt on the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass to secure a 2-up victory over Trip Kuehne.
Nov. 30, 1994 — While a freshman at Stanford, Tiger is mugged in the parking lot behind his dormitory. The assailant steals his gold watch and bracelet and strikes him in the jaw.
Aug. 25, 1996 — Creates history at Pumpkin Ridge by becoming the first player ever to win three consecutive U.S. Amateur titles, rallying from 5 down after the morning session to defeat Steve Scott in 38 holes.
Aug. 27, 1996 — Turns professional at the Greater Milwaukee Open with a simple statement: “This is to confirm that as of now, I am a professional golfer.”
Oct. 6, 1996 — Captures his first PGA Tour victory at the Las Vegas Invitational, defeating Davis Love III in a playoff. It’s the beginning of what would become 82 career wins.
April 13, 1997 — Wins his first major championship at the Masters in stunning fashion. After opening with a 40 on the front nine Thursday, he plays the final 63 holes in 22-under par to win by 12 shots, setting or tying 27 tournament records.
June 15, 1997 — Reaches world No. 1 for the first time, just 290 days after turning professional.
June 18, 2000 — Completes the most dominant performance in major championship history, winning the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach by 15 shots. He becomes the only player to win the U.S. Junior Amateur, U.S. Amateur and U.S. Open.
July 23, 2000 — Wins The Open at St. Andrews to complete the career Grand Slam at age 24, the youngest player ever to achieve this feat.
April 8, 2001 — Claims his second Masters title to become the only player in history to hold all four major championships simultaneously, the “Tiger Slam.”
May 13, 2005 — Misses the cut at the Byron Nelson Classic, ending his record streak of 142 consecutive made cuts on the PGA Tour over seven years.
June 12, 2005 — Returns to No. 1 in the world and begins a 281-week reign at the top, the longest streak since the Official World Golf Ranking began in 1986.
Dec. 30, 2005 — Turns 30 with 42 PGA Tour wins and 10 major championships already to his name.
June 16, 2006 — Misses the cut at the U.S. Open in his first tournament back since his father’s death. It’s his first missed cut in a major as a professional.
Aug. 20, 2006 — Wins the PGA Championship at Medinah, becoming the only player in history to win multiple majors in consecutive years.
June 16, 2008 — Captures his third U.S. Open title in an epic 19-hole playoff against Rocco Mediate at Torrey Pines while competing with torn knee ligaments and two stress fractures in his left leg.
June 24, 2008 — Undergoes reconstructive surgery on his left knee and misses the remainder of the season.
Nov. 27, 2009 — Florida Highway Patrol reports that Tiger has been seriously injured in a car accident. This becomes the first in a series of revelations about his extramarital affairs that ultimately led to his divorce.
April 10, 2010 — Returns to competition after a 146-day absence with an opening-round 68 at the Masters. He finishes tied for fourth.
March 24, 2013 — Wins at Bay Hill and returns to world No. 1 for the 11th and final time, holding the position for one year and two months.
April 1, 2014 — Has the first of what would become seven surgeries on his lower back, causing him to miss the Masters for the first time since high school.
Dec. 30, 2015 — Turns 40 with 79 PGA Tour titles and 14 majors to his name.
May 30, 2017 — Is arrested in Jupiter, Florida, on suspicion of DUI after police find him asleep behind the wheel with the engine running. He attributes the incident to a bad combination of pain medications.
April 14, 2019 — Completes one of sports’ greatest comebacks by winning the Masters for the fifth time, his first major title in nearly 11 years.
Oct. 28, 2019 — Wins the Zozo Championship in Japan for his 82nd career PGA Tour title, tying Sam Snead’s all-time record.
Feb. 23, 2021 — Crashes his SUV in Los Angeles while traveling 85 mph in a 45 mph zone, breaking bones in both the upper and lower sections of his right leg.
April 12, 2024 — Sets a Masters record by making his 24th consecutive 36-hole cut.
March 11, 2025 — Undergoes surgery for a ruptured left Achilles tendon. Combined with back surgery in the fall, it becomes the first year as a professional that he doesn’t compete in a single tournament.
Dec. 30, 2025 — Turns 50 with 82 PGA Tour titles and 15 major championships to his name.
