Athlete of the Decade? Yes Ladies and Gentlemen, It’s None Other Than Tiger Woods!

As we close in on the end of a year and decade, we can expect all types of top ten, bests and favorites lists. Well, AP has placed a controversial figure at the top of the best athlete of the decade list... Tiger Woods. Many of us did not think that we would ever see the day when golf wasn't the thing that Tiger is most known for. Nevertheless, it is hard to ignore what he accomplished on the golf course.

The Tournaments

His 56 PGA Tour victories in one incomparable decade were more than anyone except four of golf's greatest players won in their careers (64 victories overall if you include non-tournament play). There wasn't a continent where golf is played that didn't have him hoisting some trophy.

The Majors

All told Tiger Woods won 12 Majors during the decade. Winner of three U.S. Opens, Open Championships, PGA Championships and Masters apiece --- even when he didn't win in major and/or tournament play, he came in second place an astounding 23 times.

Along with his 12 majors this decade - he has 14 overall, four short of the record held by Jack Nicklaus - He won 14 times out of 27 appearances in the World Golf Championships.

The Money

Woods finished the decade with $81,547,410 in earnings from his PGA Tour events, an average of $482,529 per tournament - this past year, as I mentioned in a previous article, he became the first athlete to top $1 billion in career earnings

The Rest Of The Story

Woods received 56 of the 142 votes cast by AP member editors since last month. Surprisingly, depending on your take on it, more than half of the ballots were returned after the Nov. 27 car accident outside his Florida home that has led us to the scandal-plagued Tiger Woods of today.

Lance Armstrong, a cancer survivor who won the Tour de France six times this decade, finished second with 33 votes. He was followed by Roger Federer, who won more Grand Slam singles titles than any other man, with 25 votes.

Record-setting Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps came in fourth with 13 votes, followed by three-time Super Bowl winner, New England quarterback Tom Brady who had six and sprinter Usain Bolt (4). Five other athletes received one vote apiece.

There are sure to be those who, because of his infidelity, believe he is undeserving of this honor. Yet, when you think about it... this isn't a husband of the year award now is it?

Has over 21 years experience working in the field of anti-racism, equity and inclusion training

Holds Masters in theology & sociology; a PhD in sociology with an emphasis in Critical Race Theory

Is an internationally-recognized authority in the field of critical race theory and Black Studies

Author of : When Racism Is Law & Prejudice Is Policy: Discriminatory and Prejudicial Laws, Decisions and Policies in U.S. History

Has worked with organizations such as Youth For Christ, Campus Crusade, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Athletes in Action

Has served as a pastor, chaplain and counselor (including serving as a visiting- chaplain for the NFL)

Proud Husband of Lisa Marie and father of Serena, Clifford, Michael & Ezekiel

» left by erin from california 2 years 40 days ago.

Good job

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» left by Edward Rhymes 2 years 40 days ago.
67 fans.

Thanks Erin.

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» left by Mogama

2 years 40 days ago.
118 fans. Follow Mogama on twitter!

Tiger's sex scandal notwithstanding, his athletic achievements remain intact. ~mogama~

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» left by Edward Rhymes 2 years 40 days ago.
67 fans.

Thanks Mogama. In all my writings about Tiger Woods, I've tried to avoid the sensationalistic aspect of the story and just stick with fact-based material concerning him.

 

Yes, his athletic accomplishments remain tact.

 

Blessings brother.

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» left by Carolyn Tytler

2 years 40 days ago.
34 fans.

Athlete of the decade? Maybe if infamous and notorious were listed as qualifications, he might have a chance, otherwise he'd be at the bottom of my list.

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» left by Edward Rhymes 2 years 40 days ago.
67 fans.

Thanks Carolyn. IF we were talking about husband, your point has some validity. Nevertheless, this award is talking about his athletic accomplishments only.

 

Thanks for stopping by Carolyn and taking the time to comment.

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» left by Carolyn Tytler

2 years 40 days ago.
34 fans.

You have a point, Edward. I admit his athletic accomplishments on and off the golf course are truly amazing! ;-)

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» left by Riley Andrews

2 years 39 days ago.
4 fans.

He was, and notice how I said WAS, the Best Golfer of all time... no question about it. BUT, I think it is over for him... I don't know how he could possibly show his face again. How would you like to be his PR Guy? He makes Bill Clinton look like a school kid.

 

Be that as it may, when some one is doing what Tiger did, you are never alone... why isn't anyone asking the question about who, on the tour, was going with him when this was going on?

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» left by Edward Rhymes 2 years 37 days ago.
67 fans.

Thanks Riley for commenting. I haven't rendered a strong personal opinion on Tiger's indiscretions (between him, his wife and his conscience). I've chosen to focus on the sociological and cultural impact of his actions.

 

I do personally, however, hope that he and his family (whether they stay together or not) come sout of this alright.

 

Thanks again, Riley, for stopping by.

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