Tiger Woods Still Chooses to Golf with Son despite Car Accident Injuries — Fans Surprised by Their Similarities
Since 2021, Tiger Woods has been in pain due to a severe accident. Nevertheless, he continues to train his son, who is following in his footsteps as a professional golfer.
Born Eldrick Woods on December 30, 1975, Tiger has made his name known as one of the best golfers in history. Although his professional career began in the '90s, Tiger took an interest in golf at six months old.
He would appear in the media for his talent at a young age. By the time he was five, Tiger was already featured in "Golf Digest."
Tiger Woods during the final round of the 2015 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2015, in Augusta, Georgia. | Source: Getty Images
The Cypress, California native has since succeeded in his sport with 106 international wins and 15 majors, including 82 PGA Tour wins. As the face of golf, he became a sought-after brand ambassador.
As he grew older, Tiger ventured into business while still incorporating his love for the sport. He founded TGR, a multi-brand enterprise, where he sits as CEO. Some of TGR's subsidiaries include TGR Foundation, TGR Design, TGR Live, and The Woods Jupiter.
Tiger Woods Is the Father of Two Children from His Previous Marriage
Beyond his successes as an athlete and businessman, Tiger takes pride in being a father of two. In 2004, Tiger married a model named Elin Nordegren. Although their relationship only lasted six years, their marriage resulted in two children.
Tiger Woods, Charlie Woods, and Sam Woods during the Par 3 Contest on April 8, 2015, in Augusta, Georgia. | Source: Getty Images
In 2007, Tiger became a father when his then-wife gave birth to Sam Alexis. Shortly after her birth, Sam's dad shared the reason behind her name. He said:
"We wanted to have a name that would be meaningful to either side of the family [...] My father had always called me Sam since the day I was born. He rarely ever called me Tiger."
Two years later, Tiger welcomed a son, Charlie Axel, who, like his sister, mostly stayed away from the public eye growing up. However, Charlie has become more interested in gold over the years and is following in Tiger's footsteps.
Tiger Woods, Sam Woods, Charlie Woods, and Erica Herman after the World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on March 9, 2022, in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. | Source: Getty Images
Charlie made his professional debut in the PNC Tournament for the father-son competition in 2020. Golf has undoubtedly brought Tiger and his son closer, and the athlete is happy that they are bonding over the same sport Tiger shared with his dad.
Despite his divorce, Tiger maintains a good relationship with his children and even shared a photo of them with his girlfriend, Erica Herman, in 2020.
Tiger Woods Got into a Car Accident in 2021
Unfortunately, tragedy hit Tiger the following year when he was severely injured after a car accident. On February 23, 2021, Tiger's vehicle flipped over several times. The Los Angeles authorities ruled the crash as an accident that left the golf champion in lousy condition.
Tiger was traveling on the border of Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes when his car first hit the center median before rolling over to the opposing traffic lane. It then hit the curb and crashed into a tree.
After an immediate transport to a hospital, Tiger was found to have two leg fractures and a shattered ankle. He needed emergency surgery as well for quick recovery.
Tiger was fortunate that the accident did not claim his life. Admittedly, he confessed that there came the point where he may have left the hospital with only one leg.
Following the incident, Tiger assessed his future in sports and acknowledged that he may never return to the same player he was before the accident. Nevertheless, competing was still possible with a careful selection of tournaments.
Tiger was still visibly limping during the tournament, but according to the athlete, he does not care much about his recovery to compete.
Later that year, Tiger Woods was spotted returning to the golf course with his son. While Tiger may not be playing the same way anymore, fans anticipate his son's progress on the course.
Tiger Woods Continues to Coach His Son on the Golf Course despite His Injuries
Even before his teenage years, Charlie already showed his talent in golf, resembling a young Tiger. In 2020, the father and son duo attended the PNC Championship in Orlando, where Charlie displayed the same mannerisms and swings as his professional father.
Then 11 years old, many regarded Charlie as a mini Tiger and even forecasted his bright future in the golf world. Professional golfer Justin Thomas said:
"They're very similar. I mean, who wouldn't want to be like your dad if your dad was Tiger Woods? He definitely has all the mannerisms."
Despite his 2021 accident, Woods continues to mentor his young boy. In December 2022, the pair joined the PNC Championship for the third consecutive year. Tiger and his 13-year-old prodigy wore matching coral Nike shirts with black slacks as they hit the course.
According to Tiger, any time he can spend with Charlie is special, but to do it in a space he loves makes it even more magical. Tiger was still visibly limping during the tournament, but according to the athlete, he does not care much about his recovery to compete. He said:
"I think being there with and alongside my son is far more important, and [getting] to have a chance to have this experience with him is far better than my foot being a little creaky."
Fans See a Strong Resemblance between Tiger Woods and His Son, Charlie Woods
With his progress, more eyes have been on Charlie. Many have also noticed his actions imitate his dad's movements. As seen in the videos, the young boy's swings, reactions, and stance are all the same as his father's.
The PGA Tour's official Facebook page even released a video compilation titled "Copycat: Tiger Woods and son Charlie's eerily similar mannerisms."
Longtime fans of the golfer also noticed Charlie's movements and how they were strikingly similar to his father. More so, their similar wardrobe makes Tiger and Charlie look like twins.
It no longer comes as a surprise that Charlie is quickly becoming a golf expert. One could only hope to have Tiger Woods as their coach.