Tiger Woods has won 15 major golf championships – but his proudest achievement is becoming a dad to his two incredible kids.
The golf pro, 49, shares daughter Sam, 17, and son Charlie, 15, with his ex-wife, Elin Nordegren, and while they couldn’t make their relationship work, they appear to be mastering co-parenting.
Tiger previously revealed he and Elin now have a "fantastic" relationship, which helps them successfully raise their children despite being apart.
"She is one of my best friends. We’re able to pick up the phone and talk to each other all the time," he told Time, adding that Sam and Charlie know "they have two loving parents that love you no matter what".
As for being a dad, Tiger said in 2011 that it is his most rewarding role: "I just love being with them and seeing what they're doing, what they're capable of doing – the joys, just the shifts of interest. It's just fun. We have a great time together."
Sam Alexis Woods joins the club
© Getty ImagesTiger and Elin welcomed their daughter , Sam Alexis Woods, on June 18, 2007, and her dad wasted no time putting a golf club in her hands – although, at only a few weeks old "she couldn't quite hold it".
Sentimental moniker
The couple named Sam after Tiger's father's nickname for him growing up. "We wanted to have a name that would be meaningful to either side of the family, my side or Elin's side," he explained during a press conference for the AT&T National in 2007.
© Getty Images"Because she was born [the day after] Father's Day. It just happened to fit. My father had always called me Sam since the day I was born. He rarely ever called me Tiger."
He added: "I would ask him, 'Why don't you ever call me Tiger?' He says, 'Well, you look more like a Sam.'"
© Getty ImagesIn 2021, Tiger discussed his close-knit relationship with his daughter during the mini-series, A Round with Tiger: Celebrity Lessons.
Appearing alongside Jada Pinkett Smith, he was asked what Sam has taught him, to which he jokily replied: "I don't like boys," before adding that she "has taught me how to be more patient".
© GettyHe also called Sam, "Daddy's little girl," and admitted he doesn't "ever want [Sam] to leave home. "She's my little girl," he said.
Tiger Woods – five surprising facts
© Getty Images- Tiger isn't his real name – he was born Eldrick Tont Woods. He was named after the first letter of his dad's name, Earl, and his mother's first initial, Kultida, at the end. Tont is also a traditional Thai name, where his mom is from.
- He became known as Tiger after his dad started to use the moniker as his friend, Colonel Vuong Dang Phong – who served in the US Army alongside Earl – also went by 'Tiger'.
- Tiger is an avid gamer and is particularly fond of Call of Duty. He also plays basketball and soccer.
- He attended Stanford University but left before he graduated to turn pro before the end of his degree.
- Tiger was the first athlete to become a billionaire and now has an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion.
Supportive daughter
Sam is just as supportive of her dad as he is of her and has cheered him on from the sidelines several times over the years. In December 2023, she even caddied for Tiger in the PNC Championship's Pro-Am, and when he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, she gave a touching speech.
© Instagram"We didn't know if you'd come home with two legs or not," she said, referring to his 2021 car accident.
"Now, you're not only about to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but you're standing here on your own two feet. This is why you deserve this. You're a fighter, you've defied the odds every time," she added.
'Natural' golfer Charlie Axel Woods
© Getty ImagesTiger and Elin welcomed Charlie Axel Woods on February 8, 2009, and he has followed in his father's footsteps, making a name for himself on the golf course.
No pressure
Tiger has called Charlie a "natural" golfer but said he has never pressured him to play for fear he will "hate the game".
© Getty Images"I get emotional about it. Some of my best memories are being out there with my dad," Tiger said on A Round with Tiger: Celebrity Lessons. "I just don't want him to hate the game."
Hole-in-one
Charlie shows no signs of hating the game and is proving himself on the course. Just recently, he hit his first hole-in-one at the 2024 PNC Championship, and his dad couldn't have looked prouder.
© GettyHe also won The Benjamin School's high school state golf championship in Florida after competing on the boys' team, walking away with a gold medal.
In December 2023, he joined his dad at the PNC Championship in Orlando, marking the fourth time they played together at the event. They reunited at the 2024 PNC Championship, and it was a family affair with Tiger and Charlie playing together while Sam was her dad's caddy.
They made their debut at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in 2020, where they finished seventh. The next year they had their best finish with second place, and in 2022 they were tied for eighth place.
Sharing his joy over being able to share golf with his son, Tiger said at the time: "It is an amazing gift to be able to share my love of golf with Charlie and we genuinely do look forward to playing in the PNC Championship all year.
© Getty"Competing together, against a field of so many golfing greats and their families, is so special."
Following the event in 2022, Tiger told ESPN: "Any time I get a chance to spend time with my son, it's always special. And to do it in a competitive forum, the last couple of years have been magical, and to be able to do it again, we're looking forward to it."
