Tiger Woods, widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers in history, is a global sports icon whose influence extends far beyond the golf course. With a staggering net worth of $800 million as of 2024, Woods has built a fortune through historic tournament victories, record-breaking endorsement deals, and smart investments. Since turning professional in 1996, Tiger’s total career earnings have surpassed $1.8 billion, and when adjusted for inflation, that figure easily crosses the $2 billion mark, making him the highest-earning golfer of all time.
Early Life and Meteoric Rise
Born Eldrick Tont Woods on December 30, 1975, in Cypress, California, Tiger was introduced to golf before his second birthday by his father, Earl Woods, a former U.S. Army officer and a single-digit handicap amateur golfer. Tiger’s multicultural heritage, which he refers to as “Cablinasian” (Caucasian, Black, American Indian, and Asian), shaped his worldview and became part of his unique story.
By the age of three, Woods was already appearing on television, showcasing prodigious talent in golf. Throughout his youth, he dominated the junior golf circuit, winning the Junior World Golf Championships six times. At 15, he became the youngest-ever winner of the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, a feat he would repeat twice more.
Woods attended Stanford University and won multiple collegiate titles before turning professional at the age of 20 in August 1996.
Professional Career and Historic Achievements
Tiger Woods’ impact on professional golf was immediate and transformative. Just eight months after turning pro, Woods had already accumulated $100 million through tournament winnings and endorsement deals, including lucrative contracts with Nike and Titleist. In 1997, Woods won his first Masters Tournament at age 21, becoming the youngest winner of the event and winning by a record-breaking 12 strokes.
Between 1999 and 2010, Woods dominated the PGA Tour, holding the World No. 1 ranking for a combined record of 683 weeks—264 consecutive weeks from 1999-2004 and another 281 weeks from 2005-2010. He amassed 82 PGA Tour victories, tied for the most in history, and claimed 15 major championships, second only to Jack Nicklaus.
Woods was awarded PGA Player of the Year a record 11 times and has the lowest career scoring average in PGA Tour history. His five Masters titles, along with multiple PGA Championships, U.S. Opens, and The Open Championships, solidify him as a legend of the game.
Nike and the Power of Endorsements
Woods’ financial empire is built not just on winnings but also on landmark endorsement deals. His partnership with Nike alone generated an estimated $700 million between 1997 and their official split in January 2024.
Tiger’s first contract with Nike in 1996 was worth $40 million over five years. Subsequent renewals were staggering: $100 million over five years in 2000, $320 million over eight years in 2005, and $200 million for a final 10-year agreement signed in 2013.
Outside of Nike, Woods has endorsed major brands including Gatorade (which created a “Gatorade Tiger” drink in a $100 million deal), Rolex, Gillette, American Express, and EA Sports, among others. About 92% of Woods’ total earnings have come from endorsements and off-course business ventures.
Career Comebacks and Setbacks
Tiger’s career has not been without adversity. After the passing of his father in 2006, Woods endured personal turmoil that included a highly publicized infidelity scandal in 2009, leading to the loss of several sponsorships and the collapse of his marriage to Swedish model Elin Nordegren. The divorce settlement cost Woods an estimated $100 million in assets.
Between 2014 and 2017, Woods underwent multiple back surgeries, briefly dropping out of the top 1,000 world rankings. Yet, in true Tiger fashion, he made a triumphant return, winning the 2018 Tour Championship and capping his comeback with a historic 2019 Masters victory, his first major in 11 years.
Business Ventures and Real Estate Portfolio
Woods’ business acumen is evident in his expansive real estate and asset portfolio. He resides in a custom-built estate in Jupiter Island, Florida, valued at $75 million to $100 million. The 12-acre property includes a personal golf practice facility, four swimming pools, and a state-of-the-art oxygen therapy room.
His assets also include a $25 million yacht named “Privacy,” a Gulfstream G550 private jet valued at $54 million, and a PGA Tour pension plan worth at least $20 million. Additionally, Woods owns a thriving golf course design company and charges as much as $10 million for course design projects globally.
Tiger Woods Career Earnings Breakdown
According to Golf Digest, Woods earned:
- $34.6 million in 2016
- $43.3 million in 2017
- $36.1 million in 2018
- $65 million in 2019 (boosted by his Masters win)
- $62.3 million in 2020
- $73.5 million in 2021
- $68 million in 2022
His total career earnings are estimated at $1.8 billion, excluding inflation adjustments.
Personal Life and Recent Developments
Woods is the father of two children—Sam Alexis and Charlie Axel—from his marriage to Elin Nordegren. Over the years, Woods has been romantically linked to several public figures, including Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn and restaurant manager Erica Herman. In 2023, Herman filed a lawsuit related to a non-disclosure agreement, marking another legal complication for Woods.
In March 2025, rumors surfaced suggesting Woods may be dating Vanessa Trump, heiress to the Rao’s pasta sauce fortune and ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr., keeping Tiger in the spotlight beyond the golf course.
A Legacy Cemented in Golf History
Woods’ legacy transcends records and championships. He redefined golf’s cultural and commercial reach, inspiring new generations of players globally. Despite personal setbacks and injuries, Tiger Woods remains one of the most recognizable and influential athletes in the world.
Whether designing courses, competing at the highest level, or dominating endorsement deals, Tiger Woods continues to shape the business and sport of golf like no one before him.