Biography
Tiger Woods first came to the attention of the world when he appeared on American television as a two-year-old golfing prodigy, hitting balls with a cut-down club.
After turning professional in 1996, Woods won twice on the US PGA Tour in his debut season and the following April recorded his first major victory at The Masters - to become the youngest man in history to don the famous green jacket, aged 21.
That same year, in just his second full season, Woods finished top of the US Tour Money List with just over $2 million in earnings. The young American had lived up to his hype, and he was only just getting started.
In 1999, Woods won his second major at the US PGA Championship and claimed a second Tour crown, this time taking home in excess of $6m in prize money from the season.
The following season he won back-to-back majors at the US Open, Open Championship and US PGA Championship - completing the so-called 'Tiger Slam' with success at the Masters in 2001.
Fast forward to 2009 and Woods has built a collection of 14 major victories, leaving him four short of Jack Nicklaus's all-time record, and held the number one spot in the World Rankings since 2005.
In the process, he is credited with growing the global appeal of golf and breaking down boundaries in the sport.
Unquestionably among the greatest players in history, Woods is recognised for his immense power, remarkable touch around the green and his ability to sink clutch putts under the most intense pressure.
At the Masters in 2005, he conjured arguably the most famous single shot in recent golfing history, chipping in from off the green at the 17th on his way to victory.
In 2008, Woods sunk a 10-foot putt at the 72nd hole to force a play-off with Rocco Mediate at the US Open. Despite struggling with a debilitating knee injury, he returned the following day to record his 14th, and most recent, major victory.