Tiger Woods: A True Success Story
By Teresa Ambord
If starting a sports collection is something that interests you, why not begin with an athlete who is a genuine American success story? Tiger Woods has been an outstanding example of achievement and self-determination since at least 1997. That's the year he became the youngest Number 1 golfer at age twenty-one.
He Started Young
Tiger was still in the crib when he began watching his dad hit golf balls into a net in the garage. According to his father, Earl Woods, Tiger began trying to imitate him even then. When he was only two, he appeared on the Mike Douglas Show putting with Bob Hope. In 1992, at age 16, he played his first pro tournament, and started making appearances on the PGA tour. He was a junior at Stanford University when he dropped out of college to become a professional athlete. That's when the world took notice of Tiger Woods. It was only 42 weeks into his career as a pro, June 15, 1997 that he won the title of the youngest ever Number 1 golfer. Prior to that, the record was held by Bernhard Langer, age 29.
Part of what America seems to love about Tiger is that his success has been born, not just of his love for golf, but also of some remarkable personal qualities. He credits his parents, especially his father, and the strong family ties for his own achievement. His humble attitude is refreshing and uncharacteristic of many successful people.
Jack Nicklaus
Even golf icon Jack Nicklaus is impressed by Woods.
"There isn't a flaw in his golf or his makeup. He will win more majors than Arnold Palmer and me combined. Somebody is going to dust my records. It might as well be Tiger, because he's such a great kid. He has the finest, fundamentally sound golf swing I've ever seen."
By the end of 2003, Tiger Woods had already won a total of nearly $40 million on a PGA tour. In worldwide competition, he'd won more than $48.6 million. But more than the money, what seems to impress fans most is the man.
More biography
Click here to read a more complete biography of Tiger Woods, and see why his career would be a great one to follow with collectibles:
Tiger Collectibles
Of course, the best collectibles are probably actual souvenirs from some of Tiger's golf successes, like a golf ball or tee, or a program. But not all of us are privileged to get to see Tiger play in person. Like any celebrity, he quickly became the subject of collectible memorabilia, including specially designed keepsakes. Upper Deck sells a collectible tin trading card set, with cards depicting Tiger's early years, his major accomplishments, and many of his PGA wins.
See a picture of the keepsake trading card set by clicking below:
Upper Deck also makes a Tiger Woods bobble-head doll. It shows Tiger dressed in red Nike shirt, black Nike cap, bouncing a golf ball. The bobble-head statue includes a gold nameplate with a facsimile signature. The Tiger bobble-head comes in several models. Click below to see them:
