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Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tiger Woods reveals the heartbreaking reason his daughter refuses to play golf
Credit: X While Tiger Woods' son is following in his footsteps on the green, his daughter wants no part in the game that made her father a legend. Speaking candidly, Woods revealed that for his daughter Sam, golf is not just a sport—it's a painful reminder of his absence during her childhood. In an interview from last year, the 15-time major champion explained why Sam, who currently plays soccer, has no interest in picking up a golf club like her father or younger brother, Charlie. 'She has, I think, a negative connotation to the game because at that time... when she was growing up, golf took daddy away from her,' Woods said, as reported by People. 'I had to pack, and I had to leave and I was gone for weeks and there was a negative connotation to it. So we developed our own relationship, our own rapport that's outside of golf, that we do things that don't involve golf. Meanwhile, my son and I, we do everything golf-related. It's very different." Woods, now 49, made it clear years ago that he never pressured his children to follow his path. Back in 2018, he told Golf Digest that all he wanted was for them to stay active. 'If they want to play golf, that's great. If they don't, that's fine too. As long as they're outside and active, I'm happy,' he said. Sam has stuck with soccer, the sport she grew up loving. Her brother Charlie, however, left the soccer field behind to pursue golf full-time—a decision that's already showing promise. Sam Alexis Woods is the daughter of Tiger Woods and former model Elin Nordegren. She was born on June 18, 2007, and has recently graduated as a senior at The Benjamin School in Palm Beach County, Florida. Charlie's breakthrough win Charlie Woods recently clinched his first Amateur Junior Golf Association (AJGA) title at the Team TaylorMade Invitational. The win came shortly after he failed to qualify for the U.S. Open for the second consecutive year. But this time, he stayed locked in, delivering a steady, focused performance. 'I didn't look at the leaderboard once today,' Charlie said after his victory, per USA Today . 'On the fairway after hitting the green on 18, he's [Woods' caddie] like, 'You make par here, you're going to be fine.'' Reflecting on the win, Charlie added, 'Being able to say to myself that I won an absolutely amazing event and to say I performed under some high-pressure situations is just huge going forward. I haven't been able to say that I have done that, and now that I can, it is just a big thing for my mental game going forward.' While golf brought Woods fame and fortune, it also brought distance—especially from Sam. Still, the father of two has made peace with their differing paths. Sam and Charlie are each forging their own identities, and Woods continues to support them wherever their passions take them.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
US Women's Open Champ Epic Reaction to Learning She Won $2.4 Million
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. It's too early to tell if her victory in the 2025 U.S. Women's Open will be the pinnacle of Maja Stark's career, considering that, at 25 years old, the Swedish star already has an impressive résumé. What is certain, however, is that the paycheck she earned at Erin Hills will be hard to beat. Stark earned $2.4 million, making her first major title even more interesting. Paradoxically, the newly crowned US Women's Open winner had no idea that it was such an extraordinary sum. "I didn't even know that," Stark said, looking almost in disbelief. Maja Stark of Sweden poses with the Harton S. Semple Trophy after winning the final round of the U.S. Women's Open presented by Ally 2025 at Erin Hills Golf Course on June 01, 2025 in... Maja Stark of Sweden poses with the Harton S. Semple Trophy after winning the final round of the U.S. Women's Open presented by Ally 2025 at Erin Hills Golf Course on June 01, 2025 in Erin, Wisconsin. MoreStark didn't seem to have much more clarity about how to use her new financial status. "Maybe move out of my studio apartment can be one thing," she said while laughing. Jokes aside, however, her response proved her to be both humble and responsible. "I don't know. I'm very happy with what I have in my life right now. I think just having the security for the future, I think I'll just be very happy about that." Maja Stark won $2.4 million for her U.S. Women's Open victory. How's she using it? To move out of her studio apartment. 😂 — Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) June 2, 2025 The six-time Ladies European Tour winner won at Erin Hills with a score of 7-under, carding rounds of 70, 69, 70, and 72. Stark entered the final round in the lead but had to fend off several players, including World No. 1 Nelly Korda. "I just didn't want to get ahead of myself," said Stark about her mindset when facing Korda's surge in the final round. "I thought, 'there's still a lot of golf left to be played'. I just felt like, 'people are going to pass me, probably', and I just had to stay calm through that." The Swede managed to hold on to her position, while Korda fell short in her attempt to win the title. However, Stark's nerves got the best of her at the end when she bogeyed the last two holes. "I didn't look at the leaderboards until I was on, like, 17. I caught a glimpse of it. It was nice. I wasn't as nervous as I thought that I would be because it felt like I have somewhat control of my game and I kind of know what's going on." "Then obviously with the pressure and everything, your mistakes get bigger, but it felt like I could just like control anything that was thrown at me really today." Stark is the fifth Swedish player to win a major championship and the first since Anna Nordqvist won the AIG Women's Open in 2021. More Golf: The Memorial: Ben Griffin hit with 6-word message from Scottie Scheffler
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
The Memorial: Ben Griffin Reveals Frightening Reason For His Sunglasses
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Although some golfers play in sunglasses, it is quite unusual for a sport that is typically played in the sun. Ben Griffin is one of those golfers who protects his eyes, and the reason he does it may worry more than a few of his colleagues. After the third round of the Memorial Tournament, Griffin told reporters why he wears sunglasses. As you might guess, it has nothing to do with looking cool on the golf course. "Yeah, it's interesting. After learning a little bit more about, like, my experience, I'm a little surprised more golfers don't," Griffin said about his colleagues not wearing sunglasses. "I see floaters, I have really bad vision," he revealed. "So about a year ago is when I started seeing floaters, went to an eye doctor, realized my retina was starting to kind of try to detach itself." Ben Griffin of the United States lines up a putt on the third green during the third round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday 2025 at Muirfield Village Golf Club on May 31, 2025... Ben Griffin of the United States lines up a putt on the third green during the third round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday 2025 at Muirfield Village Golf Club on May 31, 2025 in Dublin, Ohio. MoreAccording to Golf Digest, quoting a Mayo Clinic publication, the eye floaters are black or gray spots of various shapes that make it difficult to see properly. If Griffin's story was disturbing up to this point, what followed was definitely scary. "I had retinal holes, so I had to go get basically laser surgery to fill in those holes. I had eight retinal holes in both eyes, so I was at risk of losing vision maybe within five or six months had I not gotten the treatment." But how did sunglasses come into play? Griffin explained that they are not a preventive measure, but rather a convenience one: "I still see the floaters, I had to get the surgery just to maintain my level. Because of that, when I wear sunglasses it's a little bit darker out, so I don't necessarily see the floaters as well. So if it's really bright out and I'm not wearing the sunglasses, I look into the clouds or whatever and I see black stuff everywhere." Regardless of whether it's due to the sunglasses or not, the truth is that eye floaters haven't affected Griffin's golf game this weekend. After 54 holes, the 29-year-old is in second place in the Memorial Tournament, just one stroke behind leader Scottie Scheffler. Griffin defeated Scheffler a week ago in the Charles Schwab Challenge. However, according to golf statistician Justin Ray, Scheffler has won the last eight tournaments in which he held the 54-hole lead. More Golf: US Women's Open: 'Home break-in' has golfer using Gabby Ruffles' clubs
USA Today
3 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
10 things to know about Ben Griffin, including his stint as a mortgage loan officer
10 things to know about Ben Griffin, including his stint as a mortgage loan officer Ben Griffin is on a serious heater. Unless you're a golf fan that has been living under a rock for the last month, you probably know that he's won twice – Zurich Classic of New Orleans with Andrew Novak and the Charles Schwab Challenge – and finished T-8 at the PGA Championship, his best result In a major. He enters the final round of the Memorial in Dublin, Ohio, one stroke back of Scottie Scheffler and suddenly he is looking like a serious contender for the U.S. Ryder Cup team. That's one of the many good reasons why it's about time you get to know Griffin. Mortgage-loan officer stint Griffin, 28, is best known for stepping away from his career as a professional golfer to become a mortgage loan officer in his native North Carolina. 'I'd lost my motivation and love for golf. The stress of playing with $15,000 of credit-card debt was agony, so I quit,' he told Golf Digest. But he resurrected his career in 2021 and has banked more than $11 million in 94 Tour starts. 'It provided me with a reset button,' Griffin tellsGolfweek. 'Doing something completely different is good for getting a fresh headspace.' Traveled the junior golf circuit solo Griffin grew up playing golf with his dad and grandpa. By the time he was 16, he was driving to tournaments solo and staying in hotels because both of his parents were working. 'I'd tell the front desk, 'Look, my dad is coming to check us in, don't worry. He's on a call and running behind. I just need a room key.' It worked every time.' Bleeds Tarheel Blue Both his parents went to the University of North Carolina and he grew up in Chapel Hill, practicing at the University of North Carolina Finley Golf Course. Once he started going to college there, his teammates complained that qualifying wasn't fair. 'I knew every break on those greens,' he said. 'It was a very easy transition for me.' Get rid of the yardage book Griffin suggests an unique solution for slow play – allow rangefinders (which the Tour is currently testing) but ban the yardage book. 'I think it would actually speed up play. Play the course how it looks. I know it's old school but do that and make it new school with a rangefinder,' he said. Maxfli Man A year ago, Griffin was testing golf balls. His caddie suggested he try Maxfli, the once popular brand in the 1970s and '80s, which has become a Dick's Sporting Goods house brand. He'd never used it before. 'I was shocked by the ball speed numbers,' he said. Griffin said he gained 2 miles per hour off the tee without sacrificing anything from a spin standpoint. He began using it in Tour events before he negotiated a deal to represent the brand. The story behind his Aviator-style sunglasses Like Corey Hart in the '80s classic song, Griffin doesn't wear his sunglasses at night but he's been wearing sunglasses on the course since the 2024 RBC Canadian Open last June, where he finished second, due to seeing floaters. Since that first week with a designer knockoff brand he happened to have in his bag, he's relied on U Swing sunglasses. 'It hasn't affected my vision – I still see floaters – but they darken things and make the floaters less defined,' he said. 'I think they also help me with reading greens and seeing slopes better.' For the full story on why he Venmo-ed $20 to pro CT Pan for the pair he wears, click here. The genesis of his lethal short game After winning the Charles Schwab Challenge in May thanks to an assortment of tidy up and downs, Griffin was asked how he developed such a reliable short game. His eyes watered and his voice cracked as he explained how his parents endured some tough times financially during the 2008 recession. Griffin's family had to downsize their home and give up the country club membership. There wasn't much money to spend on golf, let alone range balls. But his parents made sure there was a public golf course for him to use. "I would chip and putt all day," he said. "I would hit maybe a half bucket of balls for $5 or whatever it was, and my parents, they always considered themselves middle to upper class, but I knew there for a little bit when we lost our house, when we lost everything. I know they sacrificed a lot for me." The silver lining for Griffin? He became a short-game magician. He appreciates a good lawn Griffin moved last month from St. Simons Island, Ga., to Jupiter, Florida, and one of the benefits will be having a lawn in his backyard, where as a kid he liked to do some chipping. Griffin has a sponsorship deal with TruGreen, an official PGA Tour partner, and participated in the brand's marketing campaign alongside Patton Kizzire and Jason Day. "It was a very Hollywood experience," said Griffin, who is looking forward to getting the full TruGreen experience at his new pad. "I trust myself on a course, I've got to trust them with my lawn." Lifestyle change Griffin stopped drinking alcohol during the season and adopted a vegan diet at the suggestion of his girlfriend. 'Some people treat food like entertainment, but food is fuel. I eat for energy. Research says veganism helps with inflammation. I've never felt better,' he told Golf Digest. 'I needed to stop drinking during the season. I didn't have a drinking problem, but I was drinking like I was still in college. When you drink consistently, you think you feel good, but you don't. Now I feel incredible.' Distance gain is for real Griffin not only dropped the booze but started taking creatine. 'You still got to work really hard. I'm doing it more from the standpoint of muscle recovery, gaining muscle mass. You still have to work out if you're going to gain strength. It's not like the supplement is going to fix everything,' he said. 'But I would say on Tour probably 60 or 70 percent of guys are taking that substance." It's working. He's averaging 176 mph ball speed this year, up from 172 in 2024, and has gained about 17 yards off the tee. "The last three, four months, I really kind of locked in on that, trying to gain speed -- trying to still maintain flexibility and mobility. I mean, it's important. I'm on the road every week, I'm flying, I'm driving cars, none of it is good for my body. "My kind of goal has been to swing harder, get, like, a mile-per-hour faster or so every week or two. And I've just been on this nice trajectory right now. I'm trying not to push it too much, but definitely conscious of trying to hit it a little bit further. And I think I swing better when I hit it harder. It's weird, I feel like when I'm swinging hard I'm actually like hitting it kind of straighter. It's funky. Golf's a weird sport, but here I am. I guess I'm an athlete now," he said. Griffin pointed out that it was his hard work in the gym and not creatine, which has keyed his new-found length off the tee. 'I'm taking a bunch of different things. I passed my last drug test. I'm not doing anything illegal here from two weeks ago. I'm just trying to do the right things to take care of my body," he said. "I'm working out harder than I ever have, so I got to make sure I'm consuming a lot of protein. And, yeah, I feel like I'm doing the right things, just got to keep plugging along, and I'll keep taking creatine.'
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Charlie Woods' 'Psycho Scorecard' at Recent Tournament Catches Attention
Charlie Woods, the 16-year-old son of golf legend Tiger Woods, turned heads at the American Junior Golf Association's Team TaylorMade Invitational with a scorecard that defied convention and showcased his aggressive playstyle. In the opening round at Streamsong Black in Florida, Charlie recorded a two-under 70, but it was the composition of his scorecard that drew attention. Golf commentator Shane Bacon aptly described it as a "psycho scorecard," on X (formerly Twitter), noting that Charlie made only three pars—all on par-3s—while the rest of his round was a mix of eight birdies, an eagle, five bogeys, and a triple bogey. This rollercoaster performance placed him in a tie for 13th out of 71 players, just three strokes behind the leaders. Charlie's round began with back-to-back bogeys but quickly shifted momentum with an eagle on the par-5 12th hole, followed by birdies on the 13th, 14th, and 16th. His second nine included four birdies, a triple bogey, and two bogeys, reflecting a fearless approach that prioritizes scoring opportunities over-cautious play. Advertisement This performance comes on the heels of Charlie's recent improvement in U.S. Open local qualifying, where he shot a three-over 75, a six-stroke improvement from the previous year, though still short of advancing, Golf Digest reported. While such a volatile scorecard might raise eyebrows, it also highlights Charlie's potential and willingness to take risks—traits reminiscent of his father's early career. As he continues to develop his game, the golf world will be watching to see how he balances aggression with consistency. Charlie Woods' 'Psycho Scorecard' at Recent Tournament Catches Attention first appeared on Men's Journal on May 27, 2025
