He is one of the most famous figures in sporting history, but many fans are only just realising that golf icon Tiger Woods actually has a different name

The Untold Story Behind Tiger Woods’ Iconic Nickname

He is one of the most celebrated figures in the history of sports, yet many fans are only now discovering that golf legend Tiger Woods has a different name on his birth certificate. The revelation of his real name, Eldrick Tont Woods, has surprised many.

 

Tiger Woods, known for winning 15 major championships and becoming a global sports icon, was born Eldrick Tont Woods in Cypress, California, on December 30, 1975. His remarkable career, marked by historic victories and a lasting impact on golf, has made him a household name. Despite his fame, the 48-year-old continues to draw crowds at events like The Open, held at Royal Troon.

 

Woods’ name has become synonymous with excellence in golf, contributing to his roles as a brand ambassador for companies like Nike and Monster Energy. His marketable persona, coupled with his unparalleled skill, turned him into a living advertisement. However, the name ‘Tiger’ is not the one given to him at birth. His legal name is Eldrick.

 

Woods’ parents, Earl and Kultida Woods, chose his name with special significance. His mother Kultida, originally from Thailand, picked ‘Eldrick’ because it started with the same letter as his father’s name, Earl. ‘Tont’ is a traditional Thai name meaning ‘beginning.’

 

The nickname ‘Tiger’ has a poignant origin. It was a tribute to Earl’s close friend, Colonel Vuong Dang Phong, who was nicknamed ‘Tiger.’ Earl began calling his son by this name as a way to honor his friend. In an interview with ESPN, Earl Woods said, “I knew instinctively that my son was going to have fame. Some day my old friend would see him on television, read about him in a newspaper or magazine, and say, ‘That must be Woody’s kid,’ and we’d find each other again.”

 

Tragically, Colonel Phong never realized the connection between Tiger Woods and his father. Phong’s grave was discovered in North Vietnam, outside a re-education camp. Earl Woods expressed that Phong would have been overjoyed to see his friend’s son achieve such greatness. In an interview with Golf Digest, Earl said, “Phong would be totally flabbergasted by Tiger, completely blown away. He would view him as his own son. He wouldn’t know a damned thing about golf, but it wouldn’t be necessary. He would be so proud and so happy.”

 

During his early years competing in amateur tournaments, Woods was known by his given name, Eldrick Woods. It wasn’t until he turned professional that his nickname ‘Tiger’ became widely recognized. Despite this, on official documents and personal records, he remains Eldrick.

 

Interestingly, Earl Woods had his own unique nickname for his son. He never called him Eldrick or Tiger. Woods shared with Augusta Chronicle, “My father had always called me Sam since the day I was born. He rarely ever called me Tiger. I would ask him, ‘Why don’t you ever call me Tiger?’ He says, ‘Well, you look more like a Sam.’”

 

This fascinating story behind Tiger Woods’ name adds a new layer to the legacy of one of golf’s greatest players, highlighting the personal history and familial bonds that shaped his journey to stardom.