Tiger Woods Has Two Kids. Here's What We Know About Them
Eldrick Tont "Tiger" Woods is one of the most dominant figures golf has seen. With over 20 years of professional golf under his belt, Woods' array of accomplishments overshadows the astounding feats professional golfers have made before him. Tiger Woods frequently attributes his accolades and way of life to his late father's strict discipline (via Inc.). After his father's passing, we'd see Woods transition into the role of a father himself — introducing his daughter, Sam Alexis Woods, in 2007, and his son, Charlie Axel Woods, in 2009.
As his family life began to take shape, a serial cheating scandal would dismantle his marriage to model — and mother of his children — Elin Nordegren, resulting in their tumultuous divorce in 2010. This, however, never changed his stance on parenthood. In an interview with Good Morning America in 2011, the professional golfer stated that he is intent on rebuilding his life for the betterment of his children (via People).
"It's work, there's no doubt," he revealed. "It's tough. But it's enjoyable. That's the work I love." Family is important to Woods, and his kids seem to be thankful for his presence in their life. Although Woods would prefer to keep his kids out of the limelight, he has since given us some insight into their personal life. Here is everything we know about Sam and Charlie Woods.
Sam's name was a tribute to Tiger Woods' late father
After being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1998, Tiger's father Earl Woods died on May 3, 2006 (per ESPN). Woods published a lengthy statement celebrating his father after his death. "My dad was my best friend and greatest role model," he wrote. "He was an amazing dad, coach, mentor, soldier, husband, and friend."
Shortly after this tragic loss, the champion would find himself taking the first steps toward becoming the person he idolized. On June 18, 2007 — a little over a year of his father's passing — Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren welcomed their firstborn, Sam Alexis Woods (per People).
At a news conference held for the National in 2007, he explained that his daughter's name is a callback to the nickname Earl called him as a child (per USA Today). Since she was born near Father's Day, the two saw this as a perfect opportunity to commemorate his father's life.
"It just happened to fit," he said. "My father had always called me Sam since the day I was born. He rarely ever called me Tiger. I would ask him, 'Why don't you ever call me Tiger?' He says, 'Well, you look more like a Sam.'"
Phil Mickelson jokingly gifted Sam a pingpong table
Although nobody was able to halt Tiger Woods' undeniable reign in the mid-2000s, another golfer by the name of Phil Mickelson was often a contender for Woods' biggest rival (via Essentially Sports). Their rivalry, however, wouldn't necessarily stem from their competition. It was their publicized jabs and critiques over their playstyles that made their rivalry so dramatic. It's rumored Tiger Woods even referred to Mickelson as "Phony Phil."
While their banter may have appeared to be rooted in hatred, Woods and Mickelson would eventually become friends. Mickelson even sent a birthday gift to Sam in 2007. According to People, Mickelson wrote in a now-deleted post, "Our kids have had a little head start on Sam Alexis and expect them to continue the Mickelson domination over the Woods in pong, but we thought we should give Sam Alexis a chance to jump-start her own game."
Aside from his lighthearted wisecrack, it seems that Mickelson wanted to congratulate Woods for becoming a father the best way he knew how. In 2020, Mickelson expressed his deep appreciation for Woods on "The Dan Patrick Show" (via YouTube). He said, "I've always appreciated and respected what he has done for the game of golf and what he's done for me. Because when he increased the ratings, nobody benefited more than I did on the course and off the course."
Sam taught Tiger Woods how to be 'patient'
Earl Woods' early disciplinary tactics forced Tiger Woods to find a sense of calmness on the golf course. From dropping golf bags to purposely rattling coins while his son would try to focus, Earl constantly distracted Tiger on the course so that he developed mental fortitude (per Inc.). Though he found success in the long run, Woods has since stated that having a daughter taught him how to have patience outside of his golfing career.
In 2021, "A Round with Tiger: Celebrity Playing Lessons" found the 15-time major champion and actor Jada Pinkett Smith bonding over the perks of being parents (via YouTube). Pinkett Smith asked the golfer about the lessons his little girl, Sam, has taught him. Woods responded jokingly, "I don't like boys." Pinkett Smith suggested that all men should have daughters for the sake of personal growth.
Despite his silly remark, Woods eventually revealed the true lesson he's learned from his daughter. "She has taught me how to be more patient," Woods said. "But I don't ever want her to leave home. You know?" Though his fears will eventually come to fruition — with Sam becoming a young adult — it seems that Woods is still processing the fact that someday she won't be his "little girl" anymore.
Sam gave a speech during his induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame
In 2022, Tiger Woods was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. As the inductee, his family was in attendance to celebrate this memorable moment — and to his surprise, Sam gave a powerful speech in which she honored his feats as an athlete and father (via YouTube). From recalling the story of how he purposely threw the game at the U.S. Open so he could witness his daughter's birth, to their vacation where they encountered a swarm of jellyfish, Sam showed appreciation for what her father did on and off the course. "Dad, I inducted you into the 'dad hall of fame' a long time ago," she said. "But today, I am so proud to present my dad, Tiger Woods, into the World Golf Hall of Fame."
In an interview after, Woods revealed that this is the first time the public got to see Sam's personality (via Twitter). While her brother has appeared in televised events with their father, Sam has preferred to stay away from the limelight. No matter the choice, Woods suggested that this was a big step and he was proud of her for tackling such an anxiety-inducing task.
"The special person that I know, and that I love, and that I've seen grow — the rest of the world is going to see how special she is," he said.
At first, they weren't interested in playing golf professionally
With their father having an illustrious career in golf, it may seem likely for Sam and Charlie to take up the sport too. Tiger Woods, however, revealed that the two had other interests keeping them away from golf. In a 2018 interview with Golf Magazine, Woods said Sam and Charlie are very excited about soccer. "If they want to play golf, that's great," Woods said. "If they don't, that's fine, too. As long as they have a good time playing sports."
As a young prodigy, Woods understands better than anyone that the pressures of fulfilling family expectations can strain the relationship between a child and their parents. Although it worked out for Woods, that specific kind of discipline is something that the legendary golfer has been sure to not exercise within his household.
Though his kids may not be into golf, Woods revealed that watching them pursue their own respective goals puts a smile on his face. "I get such a big kick out of watching them compete and play," he said. "It's so much fun to see how happy and passionate they are about soccer."
But Charlie is following in his father's footsteps
Their disinterest in golf appeared to be short-lived — at least for his son Charlie. Like his father, Charlie appeared to show his gifts as a golfer when he was only 6 years old. According to the professional golfer himself, his son's early talents impressed him. "He's got some parts in his swing that I'm trying to do," he told Golf Channel. "It's a little frustrating at times."
Charlie's competitive career got an impressive start — he conquered his junior golf circuit at 11 years old (per Golf Digest). Woods revealed that Charlie's interest in the sport is growing. Charlie is even picking up the subtle nuances of his father's playstyle, and he has competed with Woods in the PNC Championship on three separate occasions (per Today).
Their last two appearances at the annual tournament were after his car crash in February 2021. Woods, who was still feeling the effects of the accident, never let this deter him from spending this time with his son. In an interview held at the PNC Championship in 2022, reporters asked the champion if this venture would delay his recovery, to which he responded, "You know, I don't really care about that. I think being there with and alongside my son is far more important" (per Today).
They influenced their father after his horrific car accident
On February 23, 2021, Tiger Woods sustained severe injuries after getting into a car accident in California. According to Golf Digest, the single-car accident resulted in "comminuted open fractures" in his right leg, forcing Woods to undergo surgery. Though authorities reported that his injuries weren't life-threatening, those who arrived at the scene said the horrific accident could've been fatal.
The injuries he sustained sidelined his golf career. Woods is set on making a full-time return in 2023, but his less-than-ideal status didn't stop him from participating in the PNC Championship with his son Charlie in 2022. Given his condition, Woods' struggle to get back into the sport he loves so much has seemingly frustrated the golf legend.
Thanks to his children, however, the road to recovery seems doable for the professional golfer. According to Woods, it was their support that made it possible for him to move forward after his car accident. "I've had some tough days, as [Charlie's] known," he said in an interview at the PNC Championship in 2022 (via Twitter). "But just to have their support and their love — you know, I'm not going to get teary-eyed here — but it has meant so much to me to be able to get to this point in life."
Tiger Woods is not Charlie's 'friend'
Tiger Woods' father influenced the entirety of his career. The militant discipline his father enforced has resulted in Woods himself reiterating the same phrases he heard as a child to Sam and Charlie — like "train hard, fight easy" (via YouTube).
Growing up, Woods consistently heard his father tell him that they were not — and would never be — "friends." Although Woods may not be the strict disciplinary parent his father was, he revealed that he maintains his authoritative position by also reminding his children that he is not their friend.
During his appearance on "Another Golf Podcast," Woods revealed that he reminds Charlie of this regularly when they play together. "I said, 'Son, you will never be my friend. Okay? I will always be friendly, but I will always be your dad,'" he said.
While the words seem harsh, it seems that Woods wants his children to understand who he is to them, the same way his father did to him. "I think that's the responsibility as a parent," he said. "You could always be friendly. My dad was always friendly to me, but he was my dad first."
They were informed of their father's past mistakes
Although Tiger Woods remains a world-renowned athlete, a past filled with infidelity and substance abuse tainted his pristine image for years. In 2009, alleged affairs came to light, changing how the public viewed Woods' marriage to Elin Nordegren. In a statement in February 2010, he described "irresponsible and selfish" behavior, and admitted to affairs (via CNN). He apologized for his actions and embraced a newfound path to healing. "I owe it to my family to become a better person, I owe it to those close to me to become a better man. ... I have a lot of work to do," he shared in his statement.
Despite his apologetic attitude, Woods and Nordegren wouldn't work past their differences, resulting in their divorce in 2010. Woods held himself accountable for not only ruining his marriage but altering the lives of Sam and Charlie also. While the two were too young to process what happened at the time, Woods revealed in Time that he was upfront with his kids about why they wouldn't see their father and mother under the same roof.
"I want it to come from me so that when they come of age, I'll just tell them the real story," he said. "But meanwhile, it's just, 'Hey, Daddy made some mistakes. But it's okay. We're all human. We all make mistakes.'"
They have a half brother
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren's divorce came months after the alleged cheating scandal was publicized. As the parents of Sam and Charlie, the two worked to rebuild their relationship for the sake of their family. This would be short-lived, however, as the damage done was irreversible.
Despite their ordeal, Woods and Nordegren agreed to make an effort to be successful co-parents. The two have worked through their differences and were able to form a friendship (per Time). According to People, after Woods' accident in 2021, Nordegren made sure that the kids saw their father consistently as he recovered, suggesting that Nordegren still wants Sam and Charlie to have a good relationship with their father despite their separation.
While the two have seemingly rebuilt their friendship, both have found other romantic partners. Nordegren started dating ex-NFL player Jordan Cameron. In 2019, the couple had their first child, Arthur Nordegren Cameron, giving Sam and Charlie a half sibling.
According to Page Six, Nordegren appeared at Charlie's soccer practice with Sam and Arthur in 2021. Though their relationship with the newborn is unclear, it seems that Nordegren is trying to ensure Arthur is familiar with his half siblings.