James Patterson on Why He Needed to Tell Tiger Woods’ Story

"I just wanted to tell the story and let people figure out."

When the task is to recap the entire life and career of an athlete such as Tiger Woods, the stakes are considerably high. With Tiger being one of the most scrutinized and celebrated figures in modern sports, the responsibility falls on someone who can tell his story with care and insight. Enter James Patterson.

"Tiger, Tiger" is the latest book by the best-selling author, released on July 15 by Little Brown and Company. Unlike Patterson’s usual thrillers, this biography is born out of his passion for golf and the acknowledgment of Woods as a major figure. Patterson, who has already penned a fiction series centered on a burgeoning pro golfer, now turns his attention to the real-life golfing legend.

From a young age, Tiger Woods was considered a golfing prodigy, second only to the legendary Jack Nicklaus in Masters Tournament victories. His parents, Earl and Kultida Woods, were immensely supportive. They went as far as taking out a second mortgage on their home to enable young Tiger to play in the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA). This support allowed him to compete with top junior golfers and gain exposure to college recruiting scouts.

The book delves deeply into Woods’ family, presenting a candid portrait of their unique dynamic and diverse background. Woods’ multiethnic identity—half Black, a quarter Native American, and a quarter Chinese from his father’s side, and half Thai, a quarter white, and a quarter Chinese from his mother’s side—has been a focal point of his career and life. Patterson elucidates this aspect, noting how Woods coined the term "Cablinasian" to describe his heritage. This complicated the public’s perception of his identity, particularly when he expressed frustration over being labeled explicitly as Black.

Patterson also addresses Woods’ personal woes, including his bouts of infidelity that led to his 2010 divorce from Elin Nordegren. Woods’ public perception took a hit that lingered for some time. But as Patterson asserts, "Let’s forgive people within reason." His aim was not to trash Woods but to present an unvarnished yet sympathetic portrait.

Patterson didn’t conduct direct interviews with Woods but used extensive research to capture detailed accounts of his life. This includes personal moments, like a time Woods, struggling with insomnia, would do leg presses with his daughter on his legs to help her sleep.

The book also covers the immense impact of Woods’ parents. His father’s early recognition of his talent and his mother’s fierce support played significant roles in shaping his career. In a conversation included in the book, Tiger’s mother, Tida, jokes about beating him to prevent him from ruining her reputation, yet fiercely defends him during his scandals.

The level of attention to detail in the biography is noteworthy. For instance, Patterson includes a text message that Tiger sent to one of his alleged mistresses, and a retaliatory text sent by Elin. Understanding Woods’ life, including his struggles and achievements, offers a more complete story, leading to a narrative filled with context about his every action.

One of the intriguing points Patterson touches on is Woods’ ethnic background, which played a significant role in his public life. Woods often expressed that he identifies as Asian, due to his mother’s heritage. However, his father encouraged him to acknowledge his Black identity, reflecting his own experiences in the military and the golf world.

Despite the ups and downs, Woods’ story is one of those that need to be told, not just to paint a full picture of the man but also to understand the impact he has had. Whether seen in his connection with his children, like the touching moment when his daughter Sam said she inducted him into her own “Dad Hall of Fame,” or the struggles and triumphs on the golf course, Woods’ life is a compelling narrative worthy of exploration.

Patterson, ever the storyteller, aims to lay out these stories without heavy editorializing, offering a tapestry of moments that illustrate Woods’ life. His respect for Woods’ talents and his acknowledgment of his flaws make for a balanced recounting of one of golf’s greatest, ensuring that readers form their opinions based on a rich, well-rounded story.

Source: James Patterson’s "Tiger, Tiger" (Little Brown and Company)