Tiger Woods Reveals Parents Took Out Second Mortgage for Him at 14 Years Old

Tiger Woods became visibly emotional during his induction speech into the World Golf Hall of Fame, as he reflected on the profound sacrifices his parents made to support his burgeoning golf career. He recounted how, at just 14 years old, his parents took out a second mortgage on their home so he could compete on the highly competitive AJGA Tour. The weight of their sacrifices was palpable as Woods fought back tears, especially poignant as his father, Earl Woods, who played a pivotal role in his early development, had passed away in 2006.

Woods’s journey continued as he pursued higher education at Stanford University before turning professional at the young age of 20, inking a significant endorsement deal with Nike. In a touching gesture of gratitude and responsibility, Woods revealed that the first act he undertook upon receiving his endorsement money was to settle the mortgage that had symbolized his parents’ unwavering support.

Reflecting on his journey, Woods delivered a poignant message about the value of hard work and dedication. “Nothing’s ever going to be given to you,” he emphasized. “Everything is going to be earned. If you don’t go out there and put in the work, you don’t put in the effort, one, you’re not going to get the results. But two, more importantly, you don’t deserve it.”

In recounting the sacrifices of his parents and the lessons learned along his remarkable career, Woods’s induction speech served as a testament to resilience, gratitude, and the enduring power of familial support.