I do not think anyone will deny that to be a great athlete, you need natural talent. But, I think that great coaching and good parenting is also a big part of the equation. Fortunately for Tiger Woods, he had both in his father Earl.
Earl Woods passed away on May 3rd, 2006 after a battle with cancer, but his legacy lives on in Tiger. Earl was determined that Tiger not only become a great golfer, but a great man as well and I doubt you will find any more level-headed athlete in any sport.
Too many parents seek to live their own glory days through successful children, but Earl was never like that. Earl said he knew Tiger was special the day he was born and he set out to prove it. By the time Tiger was big enough to sit in a high chair, he was swinging a golf club. But despite all the training, golf still came second to things like homework and manners. Because of Earl’s dedication and training, Tiger won three straight U.S. Junior titles, then three straight U.S. Amateur titles. Tiger was a golfing phenom as he won two of the first seven PGA events he entered at the tender age of 20. That year, he was named Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year. He has since won 10 major championships in 48 wins on the PGA Tour. And, when Tiger was ready, Earl pulled back, letting Tiger lead his own life and be in charge of his own affairs.
Earl Woods took the time to make sure Tiger was not only a great athlete, but also a good person. Since Earl’s death, Tiger has said he was his best friend and greatest role model. More parents should aspire to have such a great relationship with their children.
For more on Tiger’s life, read Marjorie’s blog in Pop Culture.