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THOUSAND OAKS, CA – DECEMBER 12: Tiger Woods (L) plays around with his father, Earl Woods, during the trophy presentation of the Target World Challenge on December 12, 2004 at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, California. Woods won the event at 16 under par. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)
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THOUSAND OAKS, CA – DECEMBER 12: Tiger Woods (L) plays around with his father, Earl Woods, during the trophy presentation of the Target World Challenge on December 12, 2004 at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, California. Woods won the event at 16 under par. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)
Golf fans have time and again gotten a glimpse into the beautiful relationship that Tiger Woods shared with his father, Earl. The latter was not only the architect behind his son’s phenomenal career but was also a highly accomplished man in his own right.
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On Monday this week, Woods’ love for his father came to the surface once again after he honored Earl for his military services on the occasion of Memorial Day. However, his social media post dedicated to his father has now also come under great scrutiny from fans for a unique reason.
Tiger Woods honors his father on Memorial Day
Woods’ father, Earl Woods, was a highly decorated military official back in the day. In fact, Earl had two tours in Vietnam and was a Green Beret as well. Hence, on the occasion of Memorial Day, the golf legend took to Instagram and Twitter to honor his father and other military personnel for their unparalleled contributions to their country!
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“If it wasn’t for my father and hundreds of thousands of others, we wouldn’t have the freedoms we have stateside,” the golfer wrote, posting a picture of his father in uniform. “Miss and love you dad. The ultimate SF operator.” Drawing inspiration from his father, Woods once wanted to become a Navy SEAL himself. After Earl passed away in 2006, the 47-year-old reportedly threw himself into training with the Special Operations Force!
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In fact, Woods’ obsession with following in his father’s footsteps was so great, that he nearly left behind his illustrious career in golf. In 2016, a friend of the PGA Tour pro told ESPN that he would have definitely made the switch had he broken Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major titles.
But the big question remains: why did the golf legend’s heartfelt post leave a sour taste in the golf world’s mouth? Well, it was because of the day he chose!
Fans are quick to point out Woods’ flawed Memorial Day post
After graduating college, Earl Woods joined the military in 1954 and went on to serve for another 20 years. He had even earned the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Green Berets. In 1974, following an illustrious and patriotic career, Woods Sr. retired from active duty. And Woods’ post falling prey to the scrutiny of the golf world stemmed from that specific reason!
Many were quick to point out that it would have been more appropriate if he honored his father on a different occasion, Veterans Day, since his father had not fallen in the line of active duty, which is what Memorial Day honors. “This is memorial day, not Veterans day,” commented one. “Sorry, that’s on Veterans Day, this is about the fallen in combat sir,” commented another Instagram user.
“There is a big difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day. The important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. That day is November 11th,” clarified another fan. “Wrong holiday there champ,” said another fan on Instagram.
Memorial Day is for those who died while serving. This post would be appropriate on Veteran’s Day but not today.
— Jimmy Smith (@smith_jimmy7) May 29, 2023
Memorial Day is not his day, or mine. Veterans Day is.
— David (@David21086308) May 29, 2023
Some fans, on the other hand, warmly received Woods’ post. “It’s about the fallen today, but thank God for men like your father,” opined one fan. “Earl the goat. Beautiful tribute, Tiger,” shared another.
Thank you for your service Earl Woods ! 🇺🇸
— buddythedog (@buddythedog2020) May 30, 2023
Nice post Tiger. We always need to remember our heroes!
— Bill Pearce (@billyboy1661) May 29, 2023
Woods last teed it up at the Masters last month, from which he eventually withdrew due to his injury. He later underwent ankle surgery and is currently recuperating at home. The golfer also missed the PGA Championship earlier this month and will not play at the fast-approaching U.S. Open either. But amid his own woes, it’s clear that he still hasn’t forgotten his father!
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What do you think of Tiger Woods’ Memorial Day post for his father? Tell us in the comments below.
Written by
Edited by
Sheldon Pereira