Tiger Woods has never been short of confidence and that stretches right back to when he was first making his way in the game of golf.
Woods has gone on to be one of the best players ever and his 15 major wins and 82 professional victories more than back that up as well.
For Woods, who is nearing the end of his career right now, it’s always been about winning golf tournaments and not being satisfied otherwise.
Woods has openly spoken about his will to win in the past and it’s a mindset drilled into him by his parents right from the get-go.
However, back in 1996, ahead of his PGA Tour debut, Woods certainly caused headlines and raised eyebrows as he suggested to Curtis Strange that anything but a win would be disappointing.
When Tiger Woods was branded cocky by Curtis Strange
It’s one of the most famous clips of Tiger Woods as a youngster and the interview with Strange has been seen millions of times around the world.
Ahead of his PGA Tour debut in the Greater Milwaukee Open in 1996, Woods sat down with Curtis Strange for his now infamous awkward interview, with the conversation going like this:
Strange: What would be a successful week here in Milwaukee?
Woods: Two things. I think if I played two four solid rounds, I got off to a good start today, if I can do that for three more days I would be very happy and a victory would be awfully nice too.
Strange: A victory? Do you think… to me that comes off as a little cocky or brash, especially talking to the other guys on tour that have been out here for years and years and years. Certainly an incredible amateur record, but what do you say to those guys? When you come out here and your first pro tournament you are saying I can win.
Woods: I understand that. But I have always figured that why go to the tournament if you are not going there to try and win? There is really no point in even going. That’s the attitude I have had my entire life and the attitude I will always have. I explain to my Dad that second sucks and third is even worse.
Strange: But on tour that is not too bad sometimes though.
Woods: That is not too bad, but I want to win. That is just my nature.
Strange: You’ll learn! I am just kidding you, I had to say that.
How Tiger Woods did in his debut tournament
Tiger Woods’ PGA Tour debut in Milwaukee was a rollercoaster of emotions really.
He finished down in a tie for 60th place in the end and some 12 shots back of the winner but he still provided some stunning moments and a glimpse into how his future might pan out.
Woods made a memorable hole in one during the tournament, while his very first shot was a drive that went over 300 yards and landed plum in the middle of the fairway.
So, while Woods might not have won as he expected in his interview with Strange, the signs were there and it was little surprise to see him win twice before 1996 even came to a close.
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