Tiger Woods is one of the most successful and wealthy athletes in the world, with a current net worth of $800 million. His career earnings surpass $1.8 billion, and after adjusting for inflation, that number exceeds $2 billion. As the highest-earning golfer ever, Woods also held the title of the highest-earning celebrity for several years.
Woods’s career is filled with impressive accomplishments, including 15 major professional tournament victories and 82 PGA Tour wins. He has five Masters wins and has been ranked as the world’s No. 1 golfer for more consecutive weeks than any other player. Additionally, Woods holds the record for the lowest all-time scoring average and has been named PGA Player of the Year 11 times. In 2021, he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Born on December 30, 1975, in Cypress, California, Tiger Woods was introduced to golf at just two years old by his father, Earl. His exceptional talent was evident early on, as he appeared on television at age six and won multiple Junior World Golf Championships by age eight. By the time he was a teenager, Woods had already earned national recognition for his golf skills.
As a teenager, Tiger Woods became a three-time U.S. Junior Amateur champion. At just 19 years old, he participated in his first Masters Tournament, finishing tied for 41st. He went on to attend Stanford University, where he won multiple NCAA titles and U.S. Amateur Championships. In 1996, Woods turned professional after a successful college career.
Breakthrough in Professional Golf
Upon turning professional in 1996, Woods quickly became a dominant force in golf. In 1997, he won the Masters Tournament by a record-breaking 12 strokes, making him the youngest winner of the event at 21. His success continued, with Woods dominating the sport throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. He held the world No. 1 ranking for 264 consecutive weeks from 1999 to 2004 and again for another 281 weeks between 2005 and 2010.
Despite his success on the golf course, Woods faced major challenges in his personal life. After his father’s death in 2006, his life began to unravel. His marriage to Elin Nordegren ended in divorce in 2010 following a public infidelity scandal. Woods lost numerous sponsorships, and his personal and professional life were both heavily impacted. However, Woods has managed to regain some stability, though his reputation has never fully recovered.
Nike Deal & Endorsement Earnings
Tiger Woods’s endorsement deals, particularly with Nike, have been a significant source of income. In 1997, just a year after turning professional, Woods signed a $40 million deal with Nike. Over the years, his endorsement contracts only grew. In 2005, Woods signed an eight-year $320 million deal with Nike, and by 2013, he had secured a 10-year $200 million deal. By the time Woods and Nike parted ways in 2024, he had earned approximately $700 million from the brand.
Early Years and Family Background
Tiger Woods, an only child, was born to Earl and Tida Woods. His mother is of Thai descent, and Woods refers to his ethnicity as “Cablinasian,” a mix of Caucasian, Black, American Indian, and Asian roots. Woods’s father, Earl, introduced him to golf at a young age and was a key influence in his development as a golfer.
Amateur Golf Achievements
Woods’s amateur career was marked by numerous victories, including six Junior World Golf Championships. He was also a standout at Western High School in Anaheim, becoming the youngest U.S. Junior Amateur champion. At just 15, Woods won his first U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, and by 1994, he became the youngest winner of the U.S. Amateur Championship, a title he would defend the following year.
From 2000 to 2010, Woods was virtually untouchable in professional golf, winning multiple major championships and achieving numerous records. During this period, he became the top-ranked golfer globally and remained a dominant force in the sport. Woods’s consistency and success on the PGA Tour made him one of the wealthiest athletes in history.
Challenges and Comebacks
Following a series of personal challenges, including a public scandal and multiple injuries, Woods faced a decline in his career. By 2011, he was ranked 58th in the world, but after a period of recovery, he regained his spot at No. 1 in 2013. Despite undergoing multiple back surgeries, Woods made a remarkable return to competitive golf, winning his first major championship in over a decade at the 2019 Masters.
Woods’s personal life has been a subject of public scrutiny. He married Elin Nordegren in 2004, and the couple had two children. However, their marriage ended in 2010 following Woods’s infidelity scandal. Since then, Woods has been in relationships with several women, including Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn and stylist Kristin Smith. In 2017, he was arrested for driving under the influence, a situation that further affected his public image.
Financial Breakdown of Tiger’s Net Worth
A significant portion of Woods’s wealth comes from endorsement deals, accounting for around 92.4% of his total earnings. His endorsement contracts with brands like Nike, Gatorade, and Gillette have been incredibly lucrative. Woods also commands millions for golf course design work and appearances at tournaments, further boosting his earnings.
Real Estate & Other Assets
Woods has invested heavily in real estate. He owns a luxurious 12-acre estate in Jupiter, Florida, valued at around $75 to $100 million. The property includes a practice golf course, multiple swimming pools, and various high-end amenities. Woods also owns a $25 million yacht, a private jet worth $54 million, and other significant assets, including a PGA tour pension plan worth $20 million.
Career Earnings Year by Year
Woods’s earnings have fluctuated over the years, with a peak in 2019 when he earned $65 million, including $2.07 million from the Masters. Over the years, his endorsement income has consistently outweighed his tournament winnings, underscoring the significance of his off-course earnings.
Following his divorce from Elin Nordegren in 2010, Woods paid a significant settlement of $100 million in assets, including cash and real estate. Despite the public scandal, this settlement did not significantly diminish Woods’s wealth, as his career earnings continued to grow.
Tiger Woods Net Worth Milestones
Throughout his career, Woods has seen his net worth grow steadily. In 1997, he was worth around $7 million, and by 2009, he had reached $500 million. After his divorce and career setbacks, Woods’s net worth stood at $400 million in 2010. By 2019, it had reached $800 million. At his peak in 2009, Woods was the second-richest person of color in the United States.
