In August 1996, Tiger Woods officially became a professional player.
On August 29, 1996, at the age of 20, he made his PGA Tour debut after turning professional, and participated in a press conference as a professional player for the first time at the Greater Milwaukee Open, with the opening words: "Hello, World!" “
In the following 25 years, Tiger Woods' name broke the high-level record again and again, resounding throughout the world and driving the popularity and development of the entire golf industry.
He has won 109 professional championships, 82 PGA Tour victories, 15 Grand Slam titles, held the world number one throne for 683 weeks, and won more than $120 million in career prize money.
On a special occasion such as the 25th anniversary of Tiger Woods' career, we will launch the "Golf Guru Tiger Special" in the October issue, and today we will unlock one of the heavyweight articles "True and False Prophecy" in advance.
In an era when Tiger was just emerging, too many celebrities made bold predictions about his career. Some of them have been implemented, and some have not been able to achieve them. But no matter what, you can feel the impact and subversion of the tiger for golf and the times. Let's review together:
In 1993
Woods, 18, has won the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship twice
"If Woods can continue in his current state, he will gain a huge fortune. As soon as he changed careers, he would be worth an amazing amount. Guaranteed endorsement fees and appearance fees make him the equivalent of the number one star in the NBA or NFL. But can he become a great golfer in the future? To be honest, no one knows. The best youth players don't necessarily dominate the sport as adults. Golf is not tennis. —Frank Hannigan
In 1996
Woods, 21, turned professional and won two PGA Tour games
'If Woods' health and motivation are good, he may have the talent to achieve that long-term goal of becoming the best player ever, but these are two bold assumptions.
—Nick Setz
"Tiger doesn't beat down because he plays only for his own pleasure and passion."
--Jay Brenza
In 1997
Woods is 22 years old, and the Masters' 12-shot victory shocked the world
"In the coming years, the Tigers will not only be america's best players, but will sweep the world. And because of his multi-racial background, he carried more on his thin shoulders. Many people want to use his success to advance their plans. I hope we can make him a qualified golfer first and see how he can play his talents. ...... Learning to say 'no' gracefully is probably the biggest challenge he faces. ”
—Tom Watson
"What makes me laugh is that all of us are still endlessly speculating about whether Tiger Woods' performance will affect the culture of these sports. And I firmly believe that his talent can and will change the nature of the sport. If Tigers win another Grand Slam this year and surpass the crowd as easily as he did at the Masters, I think what we'll hear will no longer be: Can Tiger Woods save golf? Rather: how we will save golf from the tiger's monopoly. ”
—Frank Defoe
"Tigers' mentality has the most serious impact on the way other Tour players approach the game. More and more players nowadays want to win games, not just to be in the top ten... However, I worry that the legend of the tiger may also have a negative impact: children are given too much guidance at a very young age... Tigers are an exception. Teachers, coaches and parents need to be clear about this. ”
—Chuck Cook
"I don't think Tigers changed the face of the entire golf industry... Mastery of a sport comes not only from talent and dedication, but also from money, opportunity and region, and tigers are unlikely to change that. No one builds golf courses in areas that are often overlooked by people who are often easily overlooked by airplanes. Maybe one day everything will change, but it's likely not in the tiger's lifetime, or in an era when many basic needs remain unmet. I hope I'm wrong. ”
--Bryant Grumber
"Woods could be an important catalyst for change, and it's not just what he's causing... I suspect that the ruling body may prescribe a kind of match ball, the same size. It will have an old-fashioned swirl pattern so that it is more susceptible to the wind, like a ball from the 1940s. It becomes much more difficult for this ball to play far. Distance is no longer as important as it is now. Caddies need to do more. Woods's influence will be even more prominent than it is now, because he is very good at hardcore, and I think he can adapt to new things faster than most people. The Golf Dominion Agency can invite him to participate in the planning and design of new golf, which is important to the whole sport. He will be the leader of the players, and all those who are involved and enjoy the sport. Another benefit is. A new star rises from the East..."
—Peter Thomson
"Probably (tigers will be a great player). If the definition of greatness is, win at least 8 Grand Slams, 30 other PGA Tour wins, and become a prize king three or four times. In other words, the next Tom Watson. ”
—Frank Hannigan
"History is not kind to genius, especially if it is linked to money. The young man's personality was matched by his super talent. I doubt he'll let us down; in the long run, I'm worried about a different situation. ”
--Michael S. Miller M. Thomas
Year 2000
Woods, 25, won three Grand Slams that same year
"Think again for those who think Nicklaus' 20-time Grand Slam record ( including the U.S. Amateur Championship ) can't be broken. Tigers' skills are unmatched. It's all up to him to avoid injury and stay motivated at all times. ”
--Dan Kingskins
In 2002
Woods is 27 years old and has been the world number one since 1999
"Mickelson wants to be number one in the world, and he's probably the least likely person in the world to want to be the one woods wants to surpass himself to be number one. I guess that's never going to happen because despite Mickelson's good qualities, he's not as good as the Tigers. It's no secret. No one is better than a tiger. —Mark Kakavija
In 2006
Woods, 31, won the British Open for the third time
"Tigers reached a new level in Hoylek (2006 British Open). He has great possession and is very mature in his management. His short and putters continue to amaze. I've been improving in my 30s and I hope tigers can do the same. Can he break my record? Looks like he can. —Jack Nicklaus
Fan engagement
In the 25 years since his career, Tiger Woods has not only deeply influenced the growth of a large number of professional players, but also the king in the minds of every golf enthusiast.