Good Bad Billionaire Tiger Woods: Golf’s ‘golden boy’
15 snips
Jul 29, 2024 
Simon Jack, a BBC business editor, and journalist Zing Tsjeng delve into the incredible journey of Tiger Woods, a golfing prodigy turned billionaire. They discuss his record 15 major championships and the transformative impact he had on golf's image. Personal challenges, including scandals and car accidents, nearly derailed his career. Together, they explore the complexities of his legacy—how he broke barriers and influenced future players, while also navigating the ups and downs of fame and wealth.
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Codeword Reveals How Earl Trained Tiger
- Earl Woods pushed young Tiger with intense psychological training, including a codeword Tiger never used to signal he couldn't take it anymore.
- Tiger later credited this harsh upbringing with building mental toughness for high-pressure shots.
Tiger's Background Broadened Golf's Audience
- Tiger's mixed ethnic background and early media exposure made him a transcendent sports figure, opening golf to new audiences.
- He won junior world titles from age 8 and appeared on TV at age two, helping him bridge racial and class divides in golf.
Nike's Early $7.5m Signing Bonus
- Nike signed Tiger to a five-year $40m deal with a $7.5m signing bonus the moment he turned pro, betting he'd do for golf what Jordan did for basketball.
- That early contract made him an instant multimillionaire at age 20.