20 Photos That Show Tiger Woods at His Most Dominant

These 20 photos show Tiger Woods during the most powerful and successful moments of his golf career.

Sophia Zapanta
June 15, 2025
7 min read

20 Photos That Show Tiger Woods at His Most Dominant — Rob Schumacher-Imagn Images

Tiger Woods has had one of the most successful and influential careers in sports history. These photos capture the most important events and achievements that shaped his legacy. Each moment highlights his skill, strength, and focus as a professional golfer.

1. 1997 Masters Victory

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Tiger Woods won the Masters in April 1997 with a final score of 270, finishing 12 strokes ahead of the field. It was his first major championship, and he became the youngest Masters winner at the age of 21. He also became the first Black golfer to win the tournament. A photo of him wearing the green jacket marked the start of his global fame.

2. 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach

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At the 2000 U.S. Open, Woods won by 15 strokes, the largest margin in major championship history. He was the only player to finish under par that week. He played all four rounds with precision despite tough conditions. The image of him walking, with a focus on the course, shows how locked in he was.

3. 2000 Open Championship at St. Andrews

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Woods won the Open Championship at St. Andrews in July 2000, completing the career Grand Slam at age 24. He became the youngest golfer ever to win all four major championships. He led the field by eight strokes and played with full control throughout the week. The photo of him holding the Claret Jug reflects a quiet but historic moment.

4. 2001 Tiger Slam

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In April 2001, Woods won the Masters again, which meant he held all four major titles at the same time. This achievement is now known as the “Tiger Slam.” No other golfer has done this in the modern era. A photo of him standing tall in his Sunday red shirt represents his unmatched dominance at that point.

5. 2005 Chip-in at the Masters

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At the 16th hole during the final round of the 2005 Masters, Woods hit a chip shot that stopped on the edge of the hole before falling in. It became one of the most replayed shots in golf history. His reaction, a loud fist pump, conveyed the pressure and relief he felt in that moment. The image of the ball pausing before dropping is now a classic in golf.

6. 2008 U.S. Open on a Broken Leg

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Woods played through a torn ACL and stress fractures in his leg to win the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines. He made a birdie putt on the 72nd hole to force a playoff, then won in extra holes. It was his last major before a long break due to injury. A photo of him grimacing in pain during the round tells the full story.

7. 2000 PGA Championship Duel with Bob May

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In August 2000, Tiger went into a playoff with Bob May after both finished at 18-under par. Tiger won the playoff by one shot. It was a tight and dramatic finish that tested his mental toughness. A photo of Tiger chasing after his birdie putt on the 16th hole shows his energy and drive.

8. 1999 PGA Championship Win

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This was Woods’s second major win, and it came after a final-round duel with 19-year-old Sergio Garcia. Tiger held on to win by one shot. He kept his lead despite strong pressure in the final holes. A photo of him holding the trophy shows how focused he was throughout the tournament.

9. 2006 British Open Win After Father’s Death

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Tiger won the 2006 Open Championship at Royal Liverpool, just two months after his father died. He showed deep emotion after the final round and cried after the last putt. This was his first major win without his father by his side. A photo of him hugging his caddie, Steve Williams, shows how much the moment meant.

10. First Tour Win in 1996 at Las Vegas Invitational

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Tiger won his first PGA Tour event just weeks after turning professional. He won the Las Vegas Invitational in October 1996 in a playoff. This victory helped him earn full-time status on the PGA Tour. A photo of him holding the trophy with a wide smile marks the beginning of his career.

11. Dominating the 2007 PGA Championship

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Woods won the 2007 PGA Championship at Southern Hills, finishing two strokes ahead of Woody Austin. He shot a 63 in the second round, nearly tying the record for the lowest round in a major. He controlled the pace and stayed ahead all weekend. A photo of him holding the Wanamaker Trophy shows his strength and confidence.

12. 2009 Presidents Cup Team Leader

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Tiger played a key role in the U.S. team’s victory at the 2009 Presidents Cup. He won all five of his matches, including the final point to clinch the team win. He showed leadership on and off the course. A photo of him shaking hands with teammates reflects his team spirit during the event.

13. 1997 Western Open Win

The Augusta Chronicle-USA TODAY NETWORK

This win came just three months after his historic Masters victory. He played consistently and won by three shots. It helped confirm that his Masters win was not a one-time event. A photo of him holding the trophy adds to the story of his early success.

14. Woods vs. Mickelson Rivalry Peak in 2005

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Tiger faced off against Phil Mickelson in many close tournaments, but one of the most competitive moments was in the 2005 Ford Championship at Doral. He beat Mickelson by one stroke after a final-round battle. The tournament demonstrated the intensity of their rivalry. A photo of them walking together, each focused on the game, captures that moment perfectly.

15. Tiger’s Return in 2010 Masters

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Woods returned to golf at the 2010 Masters after taking time off due to personal problems. He finished tied for fourth and was welcomed with mixed reactions from fans. He remained composed throughout the tournament. A photo of him acknowledging the crowd reflects his effort to come back strong.

16. Victory at the 2012 Arnold Palmer Invitational

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Tiger won the 2012 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, his first PGA Tour win in over two years. It was an important step in rebuilding his career. He played with focus and stayed in control from start to finish. A photo of him beside Arnold Palmer shows the respect between two legends.

17. Comeback Player of the Year in 2013

Jack Gruber-USA TODAY

Woods won five times in 2013 and returned to the top of the world rankings. He was named PGA Tour Player of the Year. He showed that he was still a top competitor after years of injury and setbacks. A photo of him mid-swing during that season reflects his form and strength.

18. 2018 Tour Championship Win

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Woods won the 2018 Tour Championship at East Lake, his first victory in five years. Fans flooded the fairway behind him as he walked to the 18th green. He finished with a two-shot win and broke a long dry spell. The image of thousands of fans walking behind him is one of the most powerful sports photos in recent memory.

19. 2019 Masters Comeback Victory

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Tiger Woods won the 2019 Masters after an 11-year drought without a major title. He came from behind to win, showing patience and control in the final round. It was his 15th major title and one of the most emotional wins of his career. A photo of him hugging his son after the victory shows the personal meaning of the moment.

20. Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019

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Woods received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in May 2019. He was recognized for his achievements in golf and his influence in sports. He became the fourth golfer to receive this honor. A photo of him during the ceremony reflects his pride and legacy.