Tiger Woods is a name that has become synonymous with golfing greatness. From a young age, it was clear that Woods was destined for greatness on the golf course. But it wasn’t until his historic win at the 1997 Masters that the world truly took notice of this young prodigy. However, after that first major victory, there were 10 major championships where Woods failed to claim the top spot. This left many wondering when major No. 2 would come for the young phenom. And just when the doubts were growing, an up-and-coming 19-year-old by the name of Sergio Garcia made his presence felt, adding even more tension to Woods’s journey.
But little did we know that this was just the beginning of what would become a roller-coaster journey for Tiger Woods over the next 25 years. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Tiger Slam, let’s take a look back at 25 moments that capture Tiger Woods’s incredible journey, filled with highs and lows, triumphs and setbacks.
1. The 1997 Masters Victory: This was the moment that changed everything for Tiger Woods. At just 21 years old, he became the youngest player ever to win the Masters and also set a record for the largest margin of victory. This win not only solidified Woods as a force to be reckoned with in the golf world, but it also opened the door for a new era in the sport.
2. The First Major Slam: In 2000, Woods achieved what many thought was impossible – winning all four major championships in a row. This feat had only been accomplished once before by the legendary Bobby Jones in 1930. Woods’s dominance on the golf course was unmatched, and it seemed like he was on his way to breaking every record in the book.
3. The “Tiger Slam”: In 2001, Woods won the Masters for the second time, completing what is now known as the “Tiger Slam.” He became the first player ever to hold all four major championship titles at the same time, cementing his status as one of the greatest golfers of all time.
4. The 2002 U.S. Open: Despite dealing with a knee injury, Woods managed to win the 2002 U.S. Open in dramatic fashion. He birdied the final hole to force a playoff and then went on to defeat his opponent in an 18-hole playoff, showcasing his incredible mental toughness and determination.
5. The “Better Than Most” Putt: At the 2001 Players Championship, Woods made one of the most memorable putts of his career. On the infamous 17th hole, known for its treacherous island green, Woods sunk a 60-foot putt that left commentator Gary Koch exclaiming, “Better than most!” This shot is still considered one of the greatest putts in golf history.
6. The 2008 U.S. Open: Woods’s victory at the 2008 U.S. Open is considered one of the greatest performances in golf history. Despite playing on a broken leg, Woods managed to defeat Rocco Mediate in a playoff to claim his 14th major championship. This win was a testament to Woods’s incredible mental and physical strength.
7. The 2000 PGA Championship: At the 2000 PGA Championship, Woods put on a clinic, winning by a record-breaking 15 strokes. This was the largest margin of victory in major championship history, and it solidified Woods’s place as the most dominant player in golf.
8. The “Shot in the Dark”: In 2000, at the WGC-NEC Invitational, Woods hit one of the most iconic shots of his career. On the 18th hole, with the sun setting and darkness setting in, Woods hit a 218-yard 6-iron shot to within 18 feet of the hole. This shot would go on to be known as the “Shot in the Dark.”
9. The 2000 U.S. Open: Woods’s victory at the 2000 U.S. Open is considered one of the greatest performances in the history of the sport. He finished at 12-under-par, 15 strokes ahead of the runner-up, and set a new record for the lowest score in relation to par at a U.S. Open.
10. The 2005 Masters: In 2005, Woods put on a
