Sam Alexis Woods' Real Life Story Explained
Many people know Tiger Woods as the biggest superstar in golf. He turned pro in 1996 and since then, he's had more incredible comebacks than we can count. His life off the course made headlines in 2009 following a shocking cheating scandal that resulted in his ex-wife, Elin Nordegren divorcing him a year later. The couple shares two children together, Charlie Axel Woods and Sam Alexis Woods, who were both thrown into the spotlight.
Despite the fame and media attention following Tiger, his two children have always maintained a private lifestyle. The golf star has only given glimpses of his kids over the years. Devoted fans may remember seeing the duo working alongside their dad as adorable caddies in 2015. The ever-so-competitive Tiger even let Sam putt a shot for him at the 2015 Masters, which resulted in his disqualification.
Though her famous dad lost the competition, we're sure Sam earned herself some cool points among her friends. As her younger brother Charlie works to carve out his own legacy in golf, Sam is taking on a different path. We're not sure her future is on the golf course, but we already know Sam will have one famous supporter in her circle — her father Tiger.
Sam holds dual citizenship
Sam Alexis Woods has an interesting background. Her mother, Elin Nordegren is Swedish and her famous father is of Asian, Black, Caucasian, and Native American heritage (per Associated Press). Though the Woods family currently live in Southern Florida, Nordegren revealed in an interview that both of her children hold dual citizenship. "My children and I are both Swedish and American citizens, we speak both languages, and I think we get the best of both worlds," she told People in 2010. Since their high-profile divorce in 2010, Nordegren and Tiger share custody of Sam and Charlie. As the years have gone by, they've been able to co-parent.
While her mother was reeling from the humiliating cheating scandal back in 2010, a young Sam comforted her with the familiar language of Swedish. During an interview with People, Nordegren described their first Christmas post-Scandal and how Sam sensed her mother's sadness. "Sam came up to me, put her hand on my cheek and said (in Swedish), 'Mommy, where is your boo-boo?' I smiled at her and said, 'Mommy's boo-boo is in her heart right now, but it will be better,'" Nordegren said.
Her name has a special meaning
The year 2006 was a rough year for Tiger Woods. His father and life-long mentor Earl Woods passed away from cancer, according to The New York Times. Despite his grief, Tiger would soon find a reason to celebrate. In 2007, a year following his father's death and a day after Father's day, his first child was born, Sam Alexis Woods. Like any first-time dad, Tiger was over the moon. He gushed about his new baby girl to the press and even explained the meaning behind her unique name. "My father had always called me Sam since the day I was born," he explained at a press conference for the AT&T National. "He rarely ever called me Tiger. I would ask him, 'Why don't you ever call me Tiger?' He says, 'Well, you look more like a Sam'" (via People).
Tiger was off playing in the US Open while his then-wife, Elin Nordegren was going into labor. Tiger revealed to reporters that Nordegren suffered a few complications shortly before giving birth to Sam. With that on his mind, there's no surprise that he ended up coming in second place, but Tiger still felt like a winner that day. "But that night was infinitely more rewarding than any 'W' ever could have been," he told reporters. "I flew, landed in Orlando, went straight to the hospital and next thing you know, we have Sam Alexis in our arms."
She has a love for this special sport
As his firstborn, it's no surprise that Tiger Woods was eager to get Sam Alexis Woods into golf. He joked with reporters that he put a golf club in her hand as a newborn. "She couldn't quite hold it. But it was there," he joked (via People). Despite years on the course watching her father, Sam fell in love with a different sport — soccer. In an interview with Golf, Tiger explained he's supportive of any sport his kids choose. "They're keen into soccer; if they want to play golf, that's great. If they don't, that's fine, too," he explained. "As long as they have a good time playing sports."
His son Charlie fell in love with golf later on, but for now, Sam seems to be sticking to soccer. In 2015, Tiger shared photos on Twitter of Sam meeting the US Women's National Soccer Team and thanked them for their hospitality. "Our pleasure!!!," player Abby Wambach responded. "Sam was more worried about all her teammates getting theirs autographs and pics first. Classy kid!!"
In 2019, as Tiger competed in The Masters, his daughter was on the sidelines cheering him on. Following his big win, he explained how he convinced her to be there. "Sam actually lost a state soccer tournament yesterday, so I convinced her to come up and watch The Masters," he told reporters (per the Mirror). Good thing she did, because she got a front-row seat to watch her dad's historic win.
She inducted her dad into the Hall of Fame
In March 2022, Tiger Woods accomplished what many athletes dream of –– making it into the Hall of Fame. During his induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame, Woods had his mother and two children by his side. In the special moment, Tiger selected his daughter Sam as the guest speaker to introduce him. The 14-year-old took the stage and delivered a heartfelt speech that praised her dad not only as an athlete, but as a father.
She recounted some of his career highlights, praised the influence of her grandfather, and recounted the scary moments following his 2021 car crash. "We didn't know if you'd come home with two legs or not," Sam said referencing his injuries. "Now, you're not only about to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but you're standing here on your own two feet. This is why you deserve this."
As his daughter praised his resilience and the lessons he taught her, Tiger's eyes filled up with tears. "Dad, I inducted you into the Dad Hall of Fame long time ago," she concluded. "But today, I am so proud to present my dad, Tiger Woods, into the World's Golf Hall of Fame." Tiger looked overjoyed as he took to the stage, and possibly a bit misty eyed. "Crap, I just lost a bet to [Steve] Stricker that I wouldn't cry," he joked. "Thank you, Sam."
She taught her dad an important lesson
While Tiger Woods has been on the golf course teaching his son Charlie a thing or two about golf, his daughter has been schooling Tiger on life. In 2021, Tiger Woods filmed a miniseries for Golf Digest titled, "A Round With Tiger: Celebrity Playing Lessons." It features guest appearances from former basketball player Dwyane Wade, actress Jada Pinkett-Smith, and David Spade. Per People, the series was shot just a day before his 2021 car crash that nearly took his life.
The premier episode with Pinkett-Smith featured a message at the beginning. "This series was filmed on February 22, 2021, the day before Tiger Woods' car accident," the message read. "We're sharing this content with the blessing of Tiger and his guests."
One poignant conversation he had with Pinkett-Smith was about fatherhood. The actress asked him about his daughter Sam and what lessons she taught him. "She's daddy's little girl, I love it," he gushed. "She has taught me how to be more patient but I don't ever want her to leave home. My little girl!" Tiger even joked that he's not too keen about her talking to boys. He may be a golf champion but he's a regular overprotective dad at heart.
She was there for her dad during recovery
Tiger Woods' horrific car crash in 2021 shocked the world. Fans everywhere were worried about his recovery and wondered if he would ever step on the golf course again. Following the accident, a source revealed to People that the golfer was focused on recovery and motivated by his kids. "Being a dad has helped him stay focused on his recovery," a source revealed. "At times, it's been very difficult for him both physically and mentally. His leg injuries caused him extreme pain. He is a fighter and has been determined to get better though."
Another source told People that Tiger was with his kids daily, with the help of ex-wife Elin Nordegren. "She has bent over backwards to make sure that he can see the kids while he recovers from his injuries," a close source said.
This wouldn't be the first time his children helped him while he was injured. In a 2015 interview with Time, Tiger spoke about his lingering back injuries and recounted a moment when he had to rely on Sam. "I was out there practicing and I end up on the ground and I couldn't call anybody and I couldn't move. Well, thank God my daughter's a daddy's girl and she always wants to hang out," he explained. "She came out and said, 'Daddy, what are you doing lying on the ground?' I said, 'Sam, thank goodness you're here.'" Thankfully his little girl was there to save the day!