Although the golf world is full of players who play golf with their right hand. But there are also some notable names as well who are left-handed and use that hand only to make shots.
But the legendary golfer, Tiger Woods, is not one of them. However in a recent mishap when a major golf brand shared a clip of Woods and some other players playing with left hands, it invited a flurry of backlash who accused them of misrepresentation.
TaylorMade shares clips of wrong players to celebrate a special day
Today is International left-handers day and although their quantity is very less in the golf world, the PGA Tour has about five percent of members who play with their left hand. Out of this percentage, only four players have won major championships and they are – Bob Charles, Mike Weir, Phil Mickelson, and Bubba Watson.
While Phil Mickelson is famously known as Lefty, he is a right-handed person. The reason he uses his left hand is because of his father. As a young child, he saw his father trying to be a “mirror-image” of his right-hand swinging. Mickelson later went on to win events thanks to the use of his left hand.
But, when golf equipment brand TaylorMade shared a video to mark this day, it turned out to be a big blunder for them. In the Instagram post made by TaylorMade, they wished everyone a happy left-handers day and included clips of Tiger Woods, Nelly Korda, Rory McIlroy, and five others, all of whom are right-handed golfers. All of these players are sponsored by the brand.
This promotional attempt of TaylorMade backfired as people were quick to point out that there was not a single clip of an actual left-handed golfer which would have been ten times better rather than using famous names who may have played with left hand once in a lifetime.
Fans call out TaylorMade for unjust representation
Fans quickly proved that they can’t be easily fooled with weak promotional strategies and rebuked the brand for not using an actual left-handed golfer clip.
One criticized the brand for not including lefty players,“No actual lefties in this vid? Your PR team slacking rn”
Another fan trolled them,“Happy national wrong handed day”
One pondered, “Are there any actually lefties in these clips?”
One person supposed this could be a right-handed clip reversed, “Wouldn’t even be surprised if these weren’t reversed images.”
TaylorMade invited the trolls with their wrong step,“You only relevant as a lefty if they are signed to you yeah?”
The fan had a good suggestion,“What about Robert Macintyre… he’s actually lefty and team taylormade”
And this fan made another wise suggestion, “I love Taylormade but as a real lefty it would have been best if you also put a pic or vid of a real lefty!”
Some left-handed players in the golf world are Brian Harman, Greg Chalmers, Sam Adams, Akshay Bhatia, Bob Charles, Nick O’hern, to name a few. Using any of their clips would have worked out for TaylorMade.
Tiger Woods is undoubtedly the most famous golfer in history, and his net worth in 2023 reflects not just his remarkable golf skills but also his astute business acumen. While Woods openly admits that becoming a champion required immense dedication and sacrifice, it’s his prowess on the golf course that put him on the map and paved the way for his mega-wealthy status, per Parade.
Tiger’s journey to fame
Tiger Woods’ love for golf began at an incredibly young age, watching his father, Earl Woods, play when he was just six months old. He gained media attention early on, appearing on TV at two years old while putting with Bob Hope and featuring in Golf Digest at the age of five. Woods quickly rose through the ranks, and by the age of 16, he participated in his first professional match at the 1992 Los Angeles Open. Four years later, he turned pro and became a global sensation, popularizing golf and becoming one of the highest-earning athletes by 1997.
The ups and downs: Tiger Woods’ Net Worth in 2023
As of 2023, Forbes estimates Tiger Woods’ net worth to be a staggering $1 billion, having accumulated over $1.7 billion throughout his illustrious golfing career. Despite his immense success, Woods faced personal and professional challenges, including a significant hit to his public image in 2009 due to revelations of infidelity. Nevertheless, he persevered through injuries and controversies to remain one of the most decorated, celebrated, and wealthiest athletes of all time.
The Nike partnership
Tiger Woods’ business acumen extends beyond golf. He signed a significant endorsement deal with Nike in 1996, receiving a five-year contract worth $40 million. By 2000, Woods had extended the partnership for another five years at a reported $100 million. A subsequent contract extension in 2013, estimated to have been signed in 2006, earned him a staggering $200 million. Despite personal challenges, Nike stood by Woods and continued the partnership, reaping the rewards of his immense popularity and global appeal.
Endorsement deals: The backbone of Woods’ wealth
Woods’ wealth primarily comes from endorsements, accounting for approximately 90% of his total net worth. Aside from Nike, he has had lucrative deals with brands like Rolex, Gatorade, TaylorMade, Hero Motocorp, American Express, EA Sports, Bridgestone, and Monster Energy. At the peak of his career, Woods earned up to $100 million annually from endorsements, thanks to his approachable persona, diverse background, and broad fan base.
Current earnings
As of 2023, Tiger Woods earns an estimated $73.5 million annually from golfing and endorsements. During his prime years, he earned well over $100 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid athletes on the planet. His golf earnings alone amount to approximately $150 million, and he has raked in around $120 million from the PGA Tour over his career.
The LIV offer: Turning down millions
Despite already amassing immense wealth, Tiger Woods was reportedly offered a staggering sum “in the high nine digits” to play in the LIV league but turned it down. This decision further highlights Woods’ focus on his legacy, charity work, and commitment to his existing partnerships.
The ‘King of Golf’ off the course
Tiger Woods’ net worth in 2023 exemplifies his status as the king of golf both on and off the course. While his exceptional golfing skills put him in the spotlight, his shrewd business sense has allowed him to build an empire of wealth through lucrative endorsements and strategic partnerships. Beyond the golf course, Woods’ philanthropic efforts, including the TGR Foundation supporting children’s welfare and education, demonstrate his desire to leave a lasting positive impact on the world. As the golfing legend continues to inspire generations, his legacy as a champion and a businessman will undoubtedly endure for years to come.
The AIG Women’s Open Championship ended on a great note on Sunday. Lilia Vu sat atop the leaderboard at the end of the final round with an impressive score of 8-under par. This exceptional performance means next year she will be defending her title at the esteemed St. Andrews golf course.
Renowned as the home of golf, St. Andrews has served as the backdrop for numerous tournaments, including prestigious majors. Notably, the legendary golfer Tiger Woods has achieved victory on this very course on two separate occasions. Now, Lilia Vu is eyeing opening her account at the hallowed course next year. Let’s dive into the story.
Lilia Vu to defend her title at St. Andrews and she is already looking ahead
During the post-win press conference, Lilia Vu provided insight into the event at Walton Heath and discussed her remarkable victory. A notable moment occurred when the moderator inquired about the significance of competing at the iconic St. Andrews golf course in 2024, and how meaningful it would be for her. The two-time Major Championship winner responded stating, “I am so excited for that tournament.”
Vu shared her excitement over the 48th edition of the tournament through which she will have her first experience of St. Andrews. She thinks she is going to cry when she crosses the iconic Swilcan Bridge which connects the 18th hole to the first.
“I think it’s going to be great. It’s going to be so much fun,” the 25-year-golfer, who overcame a tough challenge from English woman Charley Hull, went on to add over her participation as defending champion next year
St, Andrews is the same iconic location where Tiger Woods has triumphed with two major victories in the past. That should be a great inspiration for Lilia Vu. What could be a bigger inspiration than when Woods is involved in one way or the other?
A glimpse into Tiger Woods’ triumphs at St. Andrews
Mr. T has built an impressive and illustrious golfing career, boasting 82 victories on the PGA Tour. Among his remarkable achievements is his exceptional performance in the Open Championship at St. Andrews in 2000 and 2005. In 2000, he secured a memorable win with a remarkable eight-stroke lead, setting a record for the lowest score (19-under-par) across all majors. The record stood intact for 15 years.
Adding to his legacy at St. Andrew’s, Woods again emerged victorious in 2005, capturing another Open Championship. Demonstrating his prowess, he achieved a commanding five-shot win in this prestigious tournament.
Considering the incredible progress Lilia Vu is making in her golfing career, there is a possibility that she wins her first win at St. Andrews and join the league of Tiger Woods. What are your views on it? Drop your thoughts in the comments section below.
Speaking from the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club after their first round at the PNC Championship, Tiger and Charlie recapped some of their highlights of the day and spilled some hilarious—and heart-warming—details about their close bond.
The pair shot a 13-under 59 for the day at the PGA Tour’s annual two-day family scramble despite both Tiger and Charlie battling some injuries.
Charlie was seen walking with a visible limp after he rolled his ankle prior to the tournament, and Tiger is dealing with plantar fasciitis in his right foot. But pushing through pain runs in the Woods family, and the team put together an impressive round nonetheless. They sit two strokes back of Justin Thomas and Mike Thomas, who lead at 15-under.
“This is not the game plan we had originally planned out,” Tiger said. “His ankle is not exactly feeling the best, so I’ve had to hit a couple more drives than I normally would.”
“Yeah, you,” Tiger continued, smirking down at his 14-year-old son.
Although the timing of the pair’s injuries are certainly unfortunate, the 15-time major champion was able to joke about their setback.
“It’s perfect yin and yang,” said Tiger. “He’s got the left, I got the right. We’re perfectly balanced.”
Tiger and Charlie then ran through some of the best moments of their round, watching their shots replayed on a monitor. A highlight of Tiger hitting an excellent wedge shot from the pine straw on the 13th hole revealed an interesting detail that fans were unaware of: The pair had a squabble back on the tee box.
Charlie and Tiger couldn’t agree on a strategy for the hole, but the five-time Masters champion had the final word.
“We had a little argument there,” Tiger said. “He wanted to play his shot, but also he wanted me to hit a little 5-wood off the tee. I kind of overruled. Fathers can overrule. And then I hit a saucy little 60 [degree wedge] in there.”
Charlie may not have gotten his way this time, but the 14-year-old did give some insight as to how much he can challenge his father.
“I push him as much as I possibly can,” said Charlie. “Once he pushes back I know that I can push a little bit more and then I’m done. And then I know it’s going to get heated.”
“I don’t mind the ‘umph,’ but there’s a line to it,” Tiger responded. “He knows.”
When asked about what it’s like to play with his father, Charlie delivered some special words about how much Tiger has persevered throughout the past year.
“It’s cool seeing how much he’s worked to get to where he is now,” Charlie said. “I wouldn’t say how bad it was—but how much he pushed through. It was just really cool to see.”
Tiger’s outward strength has had an effect on Charlie, but he explained that his son and his daughter, Sam, have had an even greater impact on him.
“Just to be able to see their faces and see their smiles and hear their words of encouragement,” Tiger said. “I’ve had some tough days, as he’s known, but just to have their support and their love—I’m not going to get teary eyed here but, it has meant so much to me to be able to get to this point in life. Forget the stage that we’re playing on, but just to be able to get to this point in life.”
Tiger and Charlie will play in the last pairing during the final round of the PNC Championship tomorrow, which will be broadcast from 12:30-1:30 p.m. ET on Golf Channel and 1:30-4:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
Tiger Woods has always been under the spotlight, but heading into Year 3 of the PNC Championship, he was fully aware he might not even be the main draw anymore.
Here’s the first question Woods fielded from reporters at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Fla., last week: Do you get the sense that you’re the second-most-watched person out here?
“Yeah, nothing wrong with that,” he said. “As long as the people are excited about coming out here and supporting us and supporting all the legends and the people who are in this event, it’s always special.”
The second part of Woods’ answer didn’t really address the question asked, but you get the picture. The golf world wants to know about Charlie Woods.
It’s a complicated topic, too. Some people love watching the kid and seeing him interact with his dad. Others aren’t a fan of the extra media coverage just because of his last name. But this article isn’t going to dive into that; we are instead just going to talk about how anyone — regardless of who their mom or dad is — prepares to play golf in front of thousands of fans and millions more on TV screens.
It can’t be easy, right?
Charlie was asked that on Sunday, after he teamed with his dad to tie for 8th out of 20 teams.
“I think just getting used to it,” he said. “The first year was surprising, and then I just knew what to expect the next two years.”
This is where Dad chimed in with some important context.
“The first year couldn’t have been better for him to participate at this level because it was a Covid year,” Tiger said. “So for him to be inside the ropes the very first time during Covid, we didn’t have any fans out here. But it was the first time he got to experience it being inside the ropes at this level seeing the legends of the game hit golf balls and watch Gary Player and Lee Trevino hitting golf balls and rewind the clock and see what I grew up watching. He got to experience that without the fans, which was a great way for him to be introduced to this and then last year was more of an introduction than today, and this week, and here we are.”
As for any tips his dad offered?
“It’s a lot of just staying in your own mind and just kind of focusing on what you’re doing and nothing else,” Charlie said. “Just hole-by-hole.”
The 14-year-old is creating ripples in the golf world, but what are his chances of Major success?
Appearing on the scene back at the 2020 PNC Championship, it’s obvious that Charlie Woods is a special talent. I mean, when your dad is a 15-time Major winner and arguably the best golfer to walk the earth, you are going to learn a thing or two, but there is no denying that Charlie is a PGA Tour player in the making.
His talent has earned praise from former World No.1, Jon Rahm, who, earlier this year, tipped Woods Jr. to one day make it to the PGA Tour. Now, Charlie has the interest of golf betting fans, too, who are wondering what the odds are for him to win a Major.
Back in March, sports betting website Bookies.com examined factors including history and lineage to draw up projected odds on Charlie winning a PGA Tour event, any Major tournament and The Masters by the time he reaches certain ages.
The website’s results found that Charlie’s chances of winning a PGA Tour event by the age of 20 were 7/2 (+350 using American odds) and 2/15 (-750) that he doesn’t. Now, what about the Majors? Well, according to Ladbrokes, Charlie is 16/1 to win a Major before he turns 25 and 10/1 to win a Major before his 30th birthday.
Another interesting odd is that of Charlie to win The Open Championship before the age of 30 at 50/1. This bet is similar to that of a certain Rory McIlroy back in 2014. By this, we mean that Rory’s dad and a few friends reportedly bet £400 with 500/1 odds on a 15-year-old Rory winning The Open before the age of 26.
After claiming the Claret Jug in 2014, he managed to secure the title at the age of 25, meaning that Gerry and his mates picked up around £200,000 for the victory.
Although the odds that are already being given to Charlie are impressive, it is worth noting that he is only 14-years-old and, as Tiger has previously mentioned: “I just want him to enjoy whatever he’s doing. I’m supporting him wherever he wants to go, and obviously providing opportunities for that direction.”
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One expert believes big money could soon be heading the youngster’s way thanks to name, image and likeness marketing
Even at the tender age of 14, Tiger Woods’ son, Charlie, is rapidly building a reputation in the game.
However, according to one expert, he may not even need to turn professional to make an eye-watering sum of money. When Woods enters high school towards the end of 2023, it could open the door to a NIL contract – a deal that allows athletes to market their name, image and likeness.
Sam Weber, the senior director of communications at NIL Platform Opendorse, explained to Sportico: “Charlie is in rare air, just from name recognition alone. He’s similar to Arch Manning, Bronny James and even Shaquille O’Neal’s sons in that way. He’s probably looking at seven figures as soon as he’s eligible.” Weber then added that it “would be surprising if the brands that have been prominent in Tiger’s career would not want to join the fold. You can almost see the Nike commercial with the two of them.”
Arch Manning is a 17-year-old quarterback and the latest American football prodigy to emerge from the Manning family, considered a dynasty in the sport. Meanwhile, Bronny James is the son of legendary basketball player LeBron. Weber thinks Woods compares more closely to the latter taking into account his potential to make it in the game. He said: “At this stage he compares more to Bronny James than Arch. Arch is the five-star, guaranteed pro, while Bronny is more that four-star who definitely has a chance but is further from a sure-fire bet.”
Currently, the law in Florida, where Charlie resides, doesn’t allow high school athletes to accept NIL money. However, one way around that could be for Charlie to play on junior golf circuits rather than high-school golf. If he does, Weber sees him as a safe bet for advertisers. He said: “He’s not a risk for advertisers because of his name recognition alone. That also applies to NIL patrons looking to influence the next generation of the sansabelt set, which is why Charlie could cash in even if he never plays pro golf.”
The youngster’s profile has grown considerably since the 2021 PNC Championship. Back then, he and his famous father finished runner-up to John Daly and John Daly II, helped by a second round that included 11 birdies in a row – a course record. Then, in September, he shot his lowest score to date of 68 in a qualifier for the Notah Begay III Junior National Golf Championship in Florida. Even more recently, his dad admitted that Charlie had outdriven him.
Charlie even has the confidence of former World No.1 Jon Rahm to make it on the PGA Tour. When asked about the emerging talent in January, Rahm responded: “Tiger Woods’ son Charlie has got a lot of talent, certainly a lot more than I did at the age of 12. If he keeps working hard, which I’m sure he will, I wouldn’t doubt for one second we’ll see him one day maybe sitting here [on the PGA Tour].”
UK bookmaker Ladbrokes offers odds of 16/1 on Charlie winning a Major before he turns 25 and 10/1 on winning a Major before his 30th birthday.
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RORY McILROY heaped praise on Tiger Woods for joining the PGA Tour’s policy board.
Woods has assumed the role amid anger from players regarding the proposed deal between the sport’s two rival factions — LIV Golf and the PGA Tour.
McIlroy and Woods have been the biggest advocates of the established tours in their battle with LIV Golf.
But they were kept in the dark before the shock announcement of a deal between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, who bankroll LIV.
Masters champion Jon Rahm said players felt a sense of ‘betrayal’ that the deal was negotiated in secret, with PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan facing calls to resign.
But Woods becoming a player-director of the PGA Tour means the new board will be made up of six player-directors, five independent directors and the PGA of America director.
And McIlroy, who is also on the policy board with Patrick Cantlay, Webb Simpson, Charley Hoffman and Peter Malnati, said: “It’s great.
“He is the player that has left the biggest legacy on the game over the last 20 years.
“For him to be involved in the discussions around the future of professional golf is very important. Tiger has stepped up for all of us.
“I think he realises all the players on the policy board are trying to play regular golf and navigate all these different things as well so he’s got a bit more time than we do.
“So for him to step up and sort of take a little bit of the load off us is very much appreciated.”
McIlroy was speaking at a press conference ahead of this week’s FedEx St Jude Championship as he bids to win the overall FedEx Cup title for a fourth time.
And the 34-year-old has brought an old putter out of his garage to use at Southwind in a bid to overhaul Masters champ Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler.
Yet, the Ryder Cup is also on his mind after his place in Europe’s squad was officially confirmed yesterday.
But the Holywood native’s preparation could get a little messy.
After the PGA Tour season finishes, McIlroy will return to Europe for the Irish Open at the K Club and then the BMW PGA Championship.
But he revealed: “I’ve got a buddy’s bachelor party in Mykonos after Wentworth and then I have a few days to dry out before the Ryder Cup.”
Phil Mickelson, who is currently the focus of a lot of controversy, has yet again successfully garnered the attention of the golf community with a $1 billion gamble revelation from the past. This has been disclosed by his friend Billy Walters in his upcoming book: “Gambler: Secrets from a Life at Risk.”
While his Ryder Cup chances are at stake with this latest disclosure, another wager report comes to the surface that takes fans back to a moment when Mickelson surprised Tiger Woods five years ago with an interesting wager.
Phil Mickelson once baited the fifteen-time major winner with a wager
It is already known that Phil Mickelson is a man for head-to-head 1 vs. 1 matches. Recently, we have seen an instance of that where Mickelson and DeChambeau had a face-off over nine holes amid the LIV Golf Greenbrier. Now, these short entertainment matches are an easy way to lucrative payouts if one knows how to gamble.
One such match took place five years ago at the Shadow Creek Golf Course in North Las Vegas, Nevada. This Thanksgiving weekend experiment match was between two renowned rivals, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods. In addition to this, ‘The Match’ was an unofficial PGA Tour event with a payout of $9 million with the winner getting the entire prize money.
According to a report, amid the match, Mickelson baited Woods with a bet on the first hole, saying, “I feel like the first hole is a great hole for me,”. Then he added, “And I believe — in fact I’m willing to risk $100,000 that says I birdie the first hole. So that’s how good I feel heading into this match”, thus putting $100,000 at risk if he could birdie the first hole.
Mickelson made it clear that Woods didn’t have to accept this, but the 15x major winner said, “So you think you can make birdie on the first hole?” To this The Lefty replied, “I know I’m going to make birdie on the first hole.” Woods, not ready to back down, responded, “Double it”. Thus, the final bet money stood at $200,000.
Who won the Woods vs. Mickelson match?
Lefty took the match quite personally and said, “He came along and broke every single record I had,”. He also added, “Junior records, college, U.S. amateur: I won one, he won three. At Shadow Creek, I shot the course-record 61. A couple of years later, you shoot 60.” Thus, he let out all the exasperation he had felt throughout the years.
What do you think of Phil Mickelson’s gambling expeditions? Let us know in the comments below.
It has been months since a historic event in golfing history. Yes, the event in question is none other than the $3 billion LIV Golf and PGA Tour merger. This merger faced a huge backlash from thousands of fans around the world and golf legends like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and many others. Interestingly, there were eminent names who backed the Saudi-funded LIV Golf and its players like 2022 Masters Champion Jon Rahm.
Months after the faceoff between Rahm and Woods, 2022 NBA finalist Jayson Tatum recently made a controversial statement. And, it might disappoint Tiger Woods fans.
NBA finalist makes a choice between Tiger Woods and Jon Rahm
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum recently participated in his first-ever ProAm in Memphis a few hours ago. Although it was his first major appearance, the 6-foot-8 inches tall star had some good help.
It was none other than Jon Rahm. The Spaniard was more than happy to guide Tatum in this new sport and he also revealed that the two had met unofficially in the past.
“When they told me I couldn’t get no sleep last night”, said Tatum when asked about his initial reaction to the news of playing with Rahm. He further added, “You know, he’s my favorite golfer. Super cool, down to Earth. We had great conversations, pretty funny”.
Tatum’s latest comments might come to haunt him later. After all, he sported a Tiger Woods t-shirt ahead of Game 5 of the 2022 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry.
Not only Woods, but the Celtics star had honored late NBA legend Kobe Bryant with his outfits. Moreover, he also didn’t forget Michael Jordan, who is a close associate of Woods.
Woods and Rahm had very different opinions about LIV Golf
The current world No 1, Jon Rahm, didn’t really comment that often about the Saudi-backed competition. On the other hand, former world no 1, Woods, was going all out!
“I think that what they’ve done is they’ve turned their back on what has allowed them to get to this position”. said Woods when asked about his thoughts on players joining LIV Golf ahead of the merger according to CNN.
Interestingly, the legend had been offered a nine-digit salary to play in the competition. However, the billionaire declined. Unlike Woods, Rahm didn’t feel negative about the players.
“I’ve never had any negative feelings towards any player that went over to LIV”, said the 2022 champion when asked about his stance.
What are your thoughts on Jayson Tatum’s comments? Let us know in the comments below.
