Golf legend Tiger Woods broke his monthslong silence with a patriotic Memorial Day message on social media, honoring those who sacrificed for the country, including his late father Earl Woods.
Earl Woods, a Green Beret, died at 74 years old in May 2006 following a long battle with prostate cancer. He was first diagnosed with cancer in 1998 and underwent radiation treatment. But in 2004, the cancer had returned and spread throughout his body. While in the military, he served as a Green Beret and received several notable awards, including the Army Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver Star, and the Bronze Star.
Earl Woods first trained at Fort Bragg in 1963 following a tour in Vietnam, and was assigned to a Special Forces Unit before leaving for another tour in 1970. During that second tour, Earl served as an adviser to a deputy province chief, whom he nicknamed "Tiger" for his skills in the field, later naming his son after him.
Earl Woods said he tried to teach his son the mental training he learned in Vietnam and how to apply them to his golf game.
Tiger Woods has referred to his father as his best friend, greatest role model, and an amazing father, coach, and soldier.
The 50-year-old golf legend returned to Switzerland on Sunday, presumably to resume rehabilitation. The golfer, who has won 15 majors among his 82 career PGA Tour victories, reportedly is undergoing psychological treatment to help manage what has been characterized as his dependency on painkillers.
A judge recently granted a motion submitted by Woods’ attorney to travel outside the country for an “intensive, highly individualized and medically integrated program” away from media and public scrutiny.
Woods had recently returned to the United States, presumably to be by the side of his girlfriend Vanessa Trump after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Following the Florida crash, Woods said he would not play in the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, and also removed his name from consideration to become captain of the United States’ 2027 Ryder Cup team.