Eldrick Woods' father, Earl, nicknamed him "Tiger" after a South Vietnamese soldier and friend, Vuong Dang Phong, whom Earl Woods also had given that nickname.

	There was plenty of fist-pumping in 2000 for Tiger Woods, who set scoring and earnings records for the PGA Tour.

Tiger Woods, born Dec. 30, 1975, in Cypress, Calif., essentially began his career before he could walk, watching his father hit balls into a net. At age 2, he appeared on the Mike Douglas Show in a putting exhibition. At age 3, he shot 48 for nine holes. And his talent and reputation grew each year.

By last year, at the tender age of 24, he had come to be considered the greatest golfer ever.

The accolades and accomplishments are staggering: A stellar amateur career included three consecutive U.S. Amateur titles; a $40 million endorsement contract with Nike; a Master's championship as a rookie; the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year and Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year honors in his first full season as a professional golfer.

Even when he isn't winning, he has an effect. Television ratings and attendance skyrocket when Tiger is in the field.

In 2000, Tiger Woods had the best season in golf history, winning 10 tournaments, including three majors. He won the U.S. Open by 15 strokes in June, the British Open with a record 19-under par, and the PGA in a memorable playoff against Bob May in golf's most riveting match of the year.

Last season, he won five tournaments, including The Masters for a second time and The Players Championship. Woods finished in the money in all 19 tournaments in which he competed and in the top 10 on nine occasions.