Tiger Woods Turns 50: Legacy Marked by Dominance, Injuries, and Lasting Influence
Tiger Woods turns 50 on Tuesday, a milestone that makes him eligible for the PGA Tour Champions for players aged 50 and older and highlights how time and physical challenges have affected his dominance in golf.
By this age, Woods has undergone more surgeries than the 15 majors he won. The year 2025 marks the first time he has not played a single tournament due to a ruptured Achilles tendon and a ninth back surgery.
His career included extraordinary achievements such as winning the US Open just eight days before knee reconstruction and securing the Masters title two years after back fusion surgery. His peak era is closely linked to his 2021 car crash in Los Angeles.
Over the past five seasons, Woods has participated in only 11 events, made four cuts, and has not finished within 16 strokes of the winner.
He has indicated intentions to participate in approximately 25 events combined on both the PGA Tour and the PGA Tour Champions throughout the year.
Woods's legacy is not only defined by his competitive record but also by the inspiration he provided to a generation of players who have sought to emulate his intensity and work ethic. Fellow professionals such as Ernie Els and Tom Lehman have praised his shotmaking and his ability to consistently exceed expectations.
This narrative frames Woods's career as a long arc of dominance that has been influenced and ultimately challenged by aging and injuries. Despite these challenges, his influence on the game of golf remains profound and defining.
