Eldrick Tont Woods, or Tiger as he is known around the world, completely changed the game of golf.

He may never eclipse Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major wins (Tiger sits on 14), but every golfer who has cashed a cheque in the last 20-odd years owes him a thank you.

He’s been a massive part of why prize money has skyrocketed during that time, and he’s also cashed in on that, becoming incredibly wealthy along the way. It hasn’t been plain sailing the last decade or so (remember this mugshot and video?), but this year Tiger is back with a bang and playing some mighty fine golf.

In the past, Tiger has often taken massive paydays to appear at tournaments far off the beaten track, but it appears he might now be happy with the amount of dosh he has tucked away.

Given that he is worth an estimated net worth of around $740 million (R10,3 billion), maybe it’s about time.

Over to the Telegraph:

Woods has turned down his biggest ever potential overseas pay cheque to play in the European Tour’s inaugural event in Saudi Arabia next year, amid the international outcry over the recent murder of a journalist…

In the past, Woods has travelled to such countries as China and the United Arab Emirates. Yet it is understood he deemed Saudi Arabia to be an excursion too far – even for at least £2.5m – an amount that apparently dwarfs anything he has received before for an official overseas tournament.

Tiger won’t travel to Saudi Arabia because of the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, but the US government will still play nice with the murderous king.

Then again, it could also be because the golfer is trying to look after his much-battered body:

It is not known if Woods’ refusal was because of the political situation or if it is because he has decided to limit long-haul travel after his many back complaints. However, there can be no doubting the headlines it would have attracted if he had agreed and he and his advisers can be seen as being wise – unwitting or otherwise – for sidestepping the inevitable backlash.

That, and the fact that he clearly doesn’t need the money.

I would love to see Tiger win at least one more major, but I also feel like that back of his is a ticking time bomb. Either way, he’s retiring rich.

[source:telegraph]