Tiger Woods was a star long before he made his mark in the record books. Before his debut, Woods was a well-known figure, racking up junior golf championships in his early days. He was touted for greatness early on especially when he putted against comedian, Bob Hope, at the age of 2 on live television! 

His talent spoke for itself, and it wasn’t long before he was approached by Trans World Sport, a sports-orientated television program based out of London, England. It is well-known for covering features on global superstars before they reach their stardom, including 16-year-old Rafael Nadal, a teenage Virat Kohli, and the Williams sisters before either of them had turned 13. And of course, a 14-year-old Tiger Woods. 

What did Woods say in the feature for Trans World?

Even at the young age of 14, Tiger looked like a determined and confident lad. He spoke about what set him apart from the rest and didn’t mince words when the issue of racism cropped up. However, Woods was aware of the impact of a non-white golfer on the sport. His father, Earl Woods, echoed his son’s statements and had a bold prediction for the sport’s next generation.

“The World is ready, it is absolutely ready for a non-white golfer to be successful,” Earl said. “The next booming area in the world for golf is Asia. Tiger is already Asian, he is Thai.”

Tiger has origins in a multi-lingual race. His father is an African-American, while his mother, Kultida Woods, is of Thai nationality. In 2002, ESPN famously claimed: “For the record, he is one-quarter Thai, one-quarter Chinese, one-quarter Caucasian, one-eighth African American and one-eighth Native American.” Tiger has described his ethnic make-up as “Cablinasian” (an abbreviation he coined from Caucasian, Black, American Indian, and Asian). 

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Earl further expressed his son’s destiny if he went on to win on American soil. “In the United States, Tiger is black. So when he wins in the United States, he’ll be the first black golfer to win.”

“When he wins a major in Asia, he’ll be the first Asian to win. So he can’t lose unless he doesn’t win, and I don’t anticipate him not winning.” Earl further added. 

Has Tiger Woods fulfilled his destiny?

Despite the injuries he suffered, critically the car accident in 2021, and his alleged personal life scandals that came to light after yet another accident in 2009, Woods has proved his talents to the golfing world. He is level with Sam Snead for the most number of PGA Tour wins (82) and is only 3 victories behind Jack Nicklaus for the most Majors won (15). He globalized the sport and became the face of the game, and will continue to be until he calls time on his glorious career. 

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