Don’t expect to see Sam Woods, the daughter of Tiger Woods, on a fairway anytime soon. At least not as a player like dad or 15-year-old brother Charlie.
During a Wednesday interview on the “Today Show,” Tiger was asked whether Sam wanted play golf. The 15-time major winner delved into his eldest child’s relationship with the sport, and how it’s played into their own relationship.
“She has, I think, a negative connotation to the game,” Woods said. “Because at that time, when she was growing up, golf took daddy away from her.”
The bittersweet taste developed as Woods “had to leave” and “be gone for weeks,” but the two have found a way to bond beyond the green.
“So we develop our own relationship, our own rapport that’s outside of golf,” Woods said. “Meanwhile, my son and I, we do everything golf related.”
Nonetheless, Sam has been a supportive daughter and sister, most recently caddying for Tiger and Charlie at the PNC Championship in December.
A junior at the Benjamin School in Palm Beach Gardens, Sam, 16, is known by her peers for her talents on the pitch and in track and field.
Last fall, she helped her soccer team to a 17-1 record, the No. 2-ranked squad’s success stopped only by a region semifinal shootout loss. This spring, Sam could find herself with a championship ring like little bro, who just earned the first of his career back in March.
In addition to its four-time state champion golf program, Benjamin is well known for its track program, run by USTFCCCA Florida coach of the year Barrett Saunders.
Seeking its third-consecutive 1A state title this spring, the boys team often receives all the hype and accolades, but the girls have grit, too.
At district championships in April, Sam got the gold for her times in the 100 hurdles and 400 hurdles and second alongside her teammates in the 4×100 and 4×400 relays.
Now, her crew is prepping for region championships on May 7, before high school teams around the Sunshine State make their way to state championships in Jacksonville on May 15.