Tiger Woods

I chose Tiger Woods as my hero, not just because he is a great golfer, but because he gives a great deal to the community. The three character traits I chose to describe Tiger are: generous, competitive, and upstanding.

The first trait I would like to write about is Tiger's generosity. He is generous with his time and talent. Tiger started the Tiger Woods Foundation in 1998. The foundation supports family development and helps young boys and girls reach their full potential. The Tiger Woods Foundation's grants are used to provide opportunities to underserved children ages 5-17 with grants up to $25,000. Tiger was quoted as saying, "There is no greater joy in this game than to be able to give back. I love working with kids, helping them achieve their dreams, whether in golf or life." Earl Woods raised Tiger to give back to others and he believes that Tiger has learned to be a generous person. Earl stated, "Tiger is a living example of his family's credo of care and share."

The second trait that I admire about Tiger Woods is his competitive Nature which he developed growing up. He competed against his father from an early age. Tiger was born and raised in California, but eventually moved to Florida so he could practice year round. Tiger doesn't compete against others though, he competes against himself. According to Tiger, "Part of my competitive pleasure is pushing myself to the limit. It is an inner conflict which every competitor can identify." A fellow golfer named Jack Nicholas, described Tiger as a very giving person off the course, but on the course he wants to beat you and beat you bad.

The third trait that I admire about Tiger Woods is he is an outstanding citizen. Although I think Tiger Woods and Allen Iverson are both great athletes, I do not admire Allen Iverson because I do not see him as a good role model off the court. I like Tiger Woods because he is a good role model on and off the golf course. Tiger always tries to give kids instruction in both golf and life. Tiger said that when he helps others it warms his heart. Tiger stated, "I take my responsibility as a role model very seriously. By positively influencing others, I believe I can make a difference." Others find Tiger Woods to be a good role model also. Some fans believe that being a good role model to others is more important to Tiger than golf. One prominent reporter stated, "Tiger's foundation isn't just to helpkids with golf, it's to help them become better people."

I think Tiger Woods is a great hero. He is important to me because he is a good role model on and off the golf course. Tiger is generous and always thinks about children's education and their future. He is such a great athlete because he is dedicated and hard working. Tiger has made a difference in my life because he has taught me that anything is possible as long as you work hard and believe in yourself.