In what year did Tiger Woods turn professional?

Tiger Woods turned professional in 1996. He made the announcement in August after completing a remarkable amateur career that included three U.S. Junior Amateur titles, three U.S. Amateur titles, and the 1996 NCAA individual championship.

Woods was 20 when he became a professional. His first professional event was the Greater Milwaukee Open in September 1996, where he finished tied for 60th. He also recorded a hole-in-one during that tournament. Within months, he had won the Las Vegas Invitational and the Walt Disney World/Oldsmobile Classic.

The year is sometimes confused with 1997 because that was when Woods won his first major championship, the Masters, in spectacular fashion. His professional debut and his breakthrough major victory were separate milestones: he turned pro in 1996, then won the Masters in 1997.

His rapid transition helped make Woods one of golf's biggest stars almost immediately. He signed major endorsement deals with Nike and Titleist, won PGA Tour Rookie of the Year, and was named Sports Illustrated's 1996 Sportsman of the Year.