“Dad, I inducted you into the Dad Hall of Fame a long time ago,” Woods’ 14-year-old daughter, Sam, said as she presented him as a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame on Wednesday night at the PGA Tour’s gleaming new headquarters.
Joining his daughter on stage, the 46-year-old Woods collapsed into her arms and lost it.
The same Tiger Woods who used to carve burn marks into his opponents en route to a record 82 career victories, including 15 major championships, went weak-kneed at the sight of his daughter writing that wonderful moment.
Sam, clad in red, delivered her speech and presentation with the same calm that her father did when turning 54-hole leads into victories while wearing his Sunday red.
She told an incredible anecdote about the day she was born, which happened to be the same day as the final round of the 2007 US Open at Oakmont, which Angel Cabrera won.
“My father found himself in position to make an 18-foot putt to force a U.S. Open playoff in 2007, but he missed it by a foot,” she remembered. “He had to run to the airport, fly from Pittsburgh to Orlando, and then drive to Winnie Palmer Hospital.” On June 18th, I was born five minutes after my father walked into the hospital room, still wearing his red golf shirt.
“He may have lost that day, but he received the most precious gift of all.”
Those words should have brought down the house, as they should have.
Sam Woods ruled the night in the same way her father ruled the golf field, and it moved him to tears.
“Crap,” remarked a teary-eyed Woods, attempting to lighten the mood. “I just lost a wager that I wouldn’t weep to [Steve] Stricker. Thank you very much, Sam.”
The most moving moment occurred when Sam described Woods’ vehicle accident in February 2021, which necessitated many operations on his right leg and has prevented him from competing on the PGA Tour.
She explained, “We didn’t sure if you’d come home with two legs or not.” “Now you’re not only about to be admitted into the Hall of Fame, but you’re also standing on your own two feet.” This is why you deserve it, because you’re deserving of it.
His illustrious legacy is as much about the current crop of world-class players as it is about the five Masters green jackets he has won, as well as his three US Open, three British Open, and four PGA Championship titles.
Yes, Woods was the most dominant player in the game’s history, but his dominance, along with the fact that his skin color added diversity to an all-too-white sport, encouraged the players who now control the game.
There may not be a contemporary top player who hasn’t been impacted or drawn to the game by Woods.
“Aside from delighting us all for 20 years and doing incredible things, he inspired the generation of players you see today,” said No. 1 ranked Jon Rahm.
“He’s everything,” said No. 2 Collin Morikawa. “I grew up with him as a role model. I wanted to go head-to-head with him. You aspired to be the world’s best. “All I wanted to do was meet him.”
Now he is being defeated by Morikawa, who has won two major titles in the last three years.
Tiger Woods poses for a picture with his mother Kutilda (left), children Sam Alexis and Charlie and Erica Herman (right) before his World Golf Hall of Fame Induction ceremony.
“I think every pro out here owes Tiger a debt of gratitude because without his influence, this sport wouldn’t be where it is now,” said Patrick Cantlay, who is presently ranked No. 4.
“He created what golf is today, and we’re all products of it,” said Xander Schauffele, who is ranked No. 4 in the world. “He’s changed the game of golf.”
Scottie Scheffler, who is ranked No. 5 and won the Arnold Palmer Invitational last week, said he used to watch Woods’ YouTube highlights to try to copy him on the golf field.
Scheffler stated, “He’s really revolutionized our life.”
Woods’ life changed a little bit Wednesday night with his destined and deserved induction.
His daughter made it a night he’ll never forget.