Tiger Woods is a 15-time major winner and has created many records throughout his career. Many amateur and professional golfers consider him as their role model. The golf world regards him above everyone else; however, does the G.O.A.T. share the same views about himself?

The Associated Press honored Woods in 2006 by naming him the Athlete of the Year. He won the award over San Diego Chargers running back, LaDainian Tomlinson and the tennis great Roger Federer. 

Although he respected the choice of AP, Woods thought somebody else deserved it more than him, and it was none other than the tennis sensation Roger Federer! 

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Tiger Woods found Roger Federer more deserving of the Athlete of the Year honor

“What he’s (Roger Federer) done in tennis, I think, is far greater than what I’ve done in golf,” Woods said about Federer. He explained it as he considered his good friend and the tennis star deserved the honor. “He’s lost what five matches in three years?” the golfer added. “That’s pretty good.”

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According to Vavel.com, Federer had his greatest season in 2006. He had won 19 matches against his top opponents and only lost once to a player ranked under 2. Furthermore, he also won three major titles, except for the Australian Open, in 2006. 

Notably, he lost to only two players, the Spaniard Rafael Nadal and the Scot Andy Murray. He lost four titles to the then world no. 2, Nadal, and once to the then world no. 21, Murray. 

While Federer’s career achievements in 2006 were good enough to make him the athlete of the year, Woods’ career stats were no different. 

Woods’ career achievements in 2006

Woods’ father, Earl Woods, had the biggest influence on him being a professional golfer. Thus, when he passed away in 2006, it was more than what the golfer could take in. Although he missed the cut at the U. S. Open, the first event since the incident, he never finished worse than second in stroke play the rest of the season. 

Tiger Woods won eight PGA Tour events, including two major titles and two World Golf Championships. Notably, he entered the 2007 season with six consecutive victories. Furthermore, the golfer won the Byron Nelson Award for a low-scoring average in the 2006 season. 

Roger Federer dominated the tennis world in 2006. Meanwhile, Woods ruled the golf world. Who do you think deserved the Athlete of the Year honor from AP, considering each of their career stats? 

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