WOODS’ HIGHS AND LOWS: WINNING MAJORS TO PERSONAL SCANDAL

HIGHS

1997 Masters

Announces himself to the world with record-breaking 12-shot victory at Augusta, sealing first major title. Aged only 21, he set 20 new marks in all during the tournament, including youngest winner.

2001 Masters

Prevails at Augusta to hold all four majors at once, dubbed the “Tiger Slam”. The previous year, when he won nine events including three majors (US Open by record 15 shots), considered greatest single season in history.

2008 US Open

Captures 14th major with superb playoff victory against Rocco Mediate at Torrey Pines. Achievement all the more remarkable when later revealed he had double stress fracture of his left tibia.

2013 Resurgence

Returns to form after high-profile scandal surrounding his personal life. Won five times, including the Players Championship, and regained world No 1 spot for first time since 2010.

2018 Tour Championship

Wins for first time in more than five years, and after fourth back surgery threatened career, at season-ending event in Atlanta. Climbs to world No 13 having been ranked 1199 only 10 months previously.

2019 Masters

Triumphs at Augusta to secure fifth Green Jacket and 15th major crown. Coming less than two years after his arrest, the emotional, two-shot victory ends 11-year major drought. Celebrated as one of sport’s great comebacks.

LOWS

2009 PGA Championship

Creates unwanted history by losing his first major when holding the 54-hole lead. Posts final-round 75 at Hazeltine to miss out by three shots to YE Yang. Personal life unravels only months later.

Personal scandal

Exemplary public image erodes when found bleeding and semiconscious after car hit tree and fire hydrant outside Florida home on 2009 Thanksgiving weekend. String of extramarital affairs revealed, leading to divorce from wife Elin Nordegren and loss of sponsors. Undergoes therapy.

2014 Honda Classic

Withdraws after 13th hole of final round citing back spasms. Start of persistent back problems, leading to four operations in four years. Misses 2016/2017 majors; withdraws after first round of 2017 Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

2017 DUI arrest

Arrested on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence in Florida in May after being found asleep at wheel of car with engine running. Later confirmed alcohol not a factor – Woods cited prescription pain medication – but police mugshot goes viral.

Rankings low

Battle with injury leads to time away from game and loss of form, prompting a fall to No 1199 in the world by December 2017 – his lowest placing in the official rankings.

2021 car accident

Involved in serious crash in Los Angeles, sustains multiple leg injuries. No other vehicle involved. Team later posts statement detailing “long surgical procedure on his lower right leg and ankle”, but report Woods to be “currently awake, responsive and recovering in hospital”. Police say golfer “very fortunate” to be alive.