1975 Born Eldrick Woods on December 30 in Cypress, 35 miles from Los Angeles, son of retired US Army Lt Col Earl and Thai-born wife Kultida. Nicknamed Tiger after Vietnamese friend of Earl.
1976 At six months sees father hit golf balls into a net and imitates his swing.
1978 TV appearance, putting with Bob Hope.
1979 Shoots 48 for nine holes at age three.
1991 Youngest winner of US Junior title at 15.
1992 First player to win US Junior twice. Makes US Tour debut.
1993 Third Junior title. Plays three US Tour events.
1994 Becomes youngest winner of US Amateur. European Tour debut in Johnnie Walker Classic in Thailand. Starts at Stanford University.
1995 Makes cut on Masters debut but withdraws during US Open with sprained wrist. Makes cut in Open at St Andrews. Retains US Amateur but is beaten by Gary Wolstenholme in singles as GB & Ire win Walker Cup at Porthcawl.
1996 Misses Masters cut and briefly leads US Open on first day. Equals lowest-ever total by amateur in Open, finishing 22nd at Lytham on three under par. Wins third US Amateur after being two down with three to play. Turns pro with reported 25 million five-year deal with Nike. Two top-five finishes then wins Las Vegas Invitational and Walt Disney Classic. Finishes 24th on US money list with $790,594.
1997 Wins season’s first event, the Mercedes Championship, with near-ace in play-off with Tom Lehman. Wins Thai Asian Classic by 10 shots. In week before Masters shoots first-ever 59 at Isleworth in Florida, says he feels ready to win his first major.
11