Happy Birthday, Tiger

December 30, 2013

Happy birthday to golf’s most polarizing figure. Today, Tiger Woods turns 38. For those of us that grew up watching him, it’s a tough reminder of how old we’re turning, but nonetheless, here’s wishing Eldrick Woods the happiest of days.

To celebrate the occasion, we offer 10 of our favorite Tiger quips and quotes:

“No matter how good you get you can always get better, and that’s the exciting part.” As Tiger has shown us throughout his career, he’s always trying to get better. No matter how you feel about Tiger, there’s one thing you can’t deny: he never shies away from working on his game and improving.

“The greatest thing about tomorrow is, I will be better than I am today. And that’s how I look at my life. I will be a better golfer, I will be a better person, I will be a better father, I will be a better husband, I will be a better friend. That’s the beauty of tomorrow.” This quote shows what Tiger strives for on and off the golf course.

“I’m addicted. I’m addicted to golf.” The rest of the golfing world hasn’t had many chances to relate to Tiger throughout his career. But this quote sure hits home for the rest of us golf junkies!

“People don’t understand that when I grew up, I was never the most talented. I was never the biggest. I was never the fastest. I certainly was never the strongest. The only thing I had was my work ethic, and that’s been what has gotten me this far.” Tiger’s determination and dedication to being the best is exactly what has turned him into the biggest star in the world.

“My dad was my best friend and greatest role model. He was an amazing dad, coach, mentor, soldier, husband and friend.” There are many, many moments throughout Tiger’s career where we remember seeing Earl by his side.

“I want to be what I’ve always wanted to be: dominant.” Tiger’s critics following his personal issues and time away from golf were boisterous. His golf goals, however, always remained the same.

“I’m aware if I’m playing at my best I’m tough to beat. And I enjoy that.” His competitors, however, have not enjoyed this fact.

“As you all know, I’m kind of a perfectionist.” If you’ve ever been to a PGA TOUR event that Tiger was playing in, you’ll notice that he is always the last one off the practice tee and green.

“I don’t want to be the best black golfer, I want to be the best golfer, period.” When Tiger first hit the Tour, buzz surrounded him not only because of his talent but because of his skin color.

“If you’re not nervous, it means you don’t care.” You could have fooled us, Tiger. However unflappable you’ve been in the biggest of moments, it’s nice to know that even you can get a bit nervy.

 

Featured image courtesy of Nike.