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Excerpt from an story featured in Dad's Magazine premiere issue.
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Tiger Woods wasn't even considered the country's best golfer halfway through 1999. By the end of the year, he had put together one of golf's most dominant seasons in the 20th Century. Tiger won nine of his last 13 tournaments, including a major championship and earned $7.6 million dollars!
Tiger Woods was named the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year by receiving 29 first-place votes and 144 points from AP member newspapers and broadcast outlets. From a very early age, Tiger received encouragement and support from his father, Earl, who still provides a reality base for his son's incredible success.
Tiger Woods walked off the 18th green after the semi-final round of the Motorola Western Open at Cog Hill with all the confidence of a man who knew he was destined to win. As he approached the gallery of waiting reporters and cameramen, there was only one thing on his mind -- clinching a second victory at the prestigious tournament, which he did the following day.
Rather than boasting of his accomplishments that day, Tiger had words of praise for his opponents and kind words for the unseen hand that has guided his stroke throughout his career -- his Dad.
"Lots of people expect me to have a big head, but I know where it all came from," Tiger said with his characteristic grand slam smile. "I've always set high goals for myself because of what Dad taught me."
Tiger Woods isn't satisfied with being one of the top money getters on the pro tour. He wants a Grand Slam.
"I know Jack (Nicklaus) had a Grand Slam by 26," Woods said. "Maybe I can do the same."
Tiger Woods and his Dad, Earl Woods, captivated the gallery just a few days before in the annual father and son competition at Cog Hill. The kids swarmed around their hero. If anyone were wondering who the next Jordan would be, he resides right under the noses of golf fans. Not only that, he has the ability to dominate a game that is dear to Michael's heart.
"I don't think about that," Tiger responded to a reporter's questions. "I just think about what's ahead for me tomorrow." What's ahead was a sure bet that he'd win the second major championship of his career at Cog Hill. With four birdies in his first five holes and seven straight pars on his final seven the day before, the win seemed all but posted.
But in spite of living the real life version of The Truman Show, Tiger takes time to reminisce about his dad.
"If you saw us out there at the Family Challenge, you'd see what kind of relationship we have. Dad taught me how to compete and how to be tough in competition. He also taught me how to play in the rough. One of the things he drummed into me is that you don't fare well in any golf tournament if you only hit the ball in thefairway. The real winners know how to come back from the tough spots.
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