Exclusive: Tiger Woods’ daughter’s ‘wholesome’ moment leaves father in tears

May 30, 2024

Tiger Woods was left emotional after his daughter’s, Sam, introduction speech at the Hall of Fame.

Legendary golfer Tiger Woods broke down in tears during his Hall of Fame inductee speech, which saw his daughter deliver a wholesome moment on stage.

Tiger Woods, 46, entered the storied hall as part of the Class of 2022 along with retired PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem, US Women’s Open champion Susie Maxwell Berning and Marion Hollins, a US Women’s Amateur champion and golf course architect who was recognised posthumously.

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There was never any doubt the 15-time major winner would find his way into the illustrious crew, however the manner of how he was inducted had many people in tears.

Before Woods was officially invited to stage, his daughter Sam, 14, delivered an emotional and poignant speech about her father.

“We didn’t know if you’d come home with two legs or not,” Sam said in a beautifully delivered introduction.

“This is why you deserve this, because you’re a fighter.

“You’ve defied the odds every time, being the first Black and Asian golfer to win a major, being able to win your fifth Masters after multiple back surgeries, and being able to walk just a few months after your crash.”

She added: “Dad I inducted you into the Dad Hall of Fame a long time ago.”

“But today, I am so proud to present my dad, Tiger Woods, into the World Golf Hall of Fame.”

The powerful words resonated around the room with Woods admitting he shed a tear during his daughter’s speech.

“I just lost a bet to (Steve) Stricker that I wouldn’t cry,” Woods said.

Tiger Woods emotional during Hall of Fame speech

Woods was raw and emotional during his 17-minute speech, which he thanked the people that got him to where he is today.

“So without the sacrifices of Mom who took me to all those junior golf tournaments, and Dad, who’s not here, but who instilled in me this work ethic to fight for what I believe in, chase after my dreams, nothing’s ever going to be given to you, everything’s going to be earned,” an emotional Woods said.

“If you don’t go out there and put in the work, you don’t go out and put in the effort, one, you’re not going to get the results, but two, and more importantly, you don’t deserve it. You need to earn it.”

I feel so honored to have been inducted into the @GolfHallofFame tonight. Having Sam introduce me and my family there watching, it made it even that more special. 

With no script in the teleprompter and no notes Tiger Woods’ Hall of Fame induction speech went 2,325 words, 17 minutes and he never mentioned the Masters, U.S. Open, Open Championship or PGA Championship.

Woods avoided talking about his string of unparalleled achievements during his speech, but focused on a trip down memory lane.

“I know that golf is an individual sport,” Woods added.

“We do things on our own a lot for hours on end, but in my case, I didn’t get here alone.

“I had unbelievable parents, mentors, friends, who allowed me and supported me in the toughest times, the darkest of times, and celebrated the highest of times.

Tiger Woods and his daughter Sam (pictured) pose on stage during the World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. (Photo by Chris Condon/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)More

“I just want to say thank you to my mom, Sam, Erica (Herman, his girlfriend), Charlie, everyone here, all my friends that have come to be here. All of you allowed me to get here. I just want to say thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.”

Recently, Woods admitted he didn’t know if he would return to the PGA Tour in 2024.

However, Woods said he doesn’t want to just make up the numbers when he returns.

“I’ve been working my butt off for the last 10 months even to get myself into this position,” Woods added.

“It’s been a tough road and I’ve still got a long way to go.”

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