Tiger Woods’ Dad Died Today of Prostate Cancer

Earl Woods, Tiger Woods’ dad, died Wednesday of prostate cancer at the age of 74.

Earl Woods was a habitual smoker and had a bypass surgery 20 years ago. In 1998, Woods was diagnosed with prostate cancer and was treated with radiation. Two years ago prostate cancer returned and metastasized. Earl Woods attended his last golf tournament in December 2004, from which Tiger donated $1.25 million to the Tiger Woods Foundation that Earl Woods helped establish.

On Tiger Woods’ website, the golf phenom asked that all donations go to the Earl Woods Scholarship Fund.

Tiger said, “My dad was my best friend and greatest role model, and I will miss him deeply.”

Earl Woods’ had said that his purpose with Tiger was “… not to raise a golfer,” but to raise a good person.

I don’t play golf or have a fascination with it, but I’ve always admired Tiger Woods for what he has accomplished, how he had set new heights for his game, and most importantly, how he overcame stereotypes and helped create opportunities for younger generations.

And for that, I thank Mr. Earl Woods.