Golf legend Tiger Woods was just another fan in the stands when he showed his support for his daughter Sam, who herself helped make history on the soccer field in Florida on Saturday.
Sam Woods, a 17-year-old senior captain for The Benjamin School in Palm Beach, guided her team’s defense in a 1-0 victory over Episcopal School of Jacksonville to secure the Florida 2A FHSAA state championship at Spec Martin Stadium.
The win marked the first state title in program history for the Buccaneers, completing a remarkable turnaround season.
Videos captured the 15-time major champion celebrating in the bleachers wearing a white baseball cap and long-sleeve shirt. Woods could be seen throwing his fist in the air, exchanging high-fives with other parents, and sharing an emotional embrace with Sam after the final whistle.
🚨🗣️🐅 #PROUD DAD — Tiger Woods cheered and celebrated alongside fellow parents as his daughter Sam’s school won the Florida State Soccer Championship last night in DeLand, FL. (Vid credit: @pbpost) pic.twitter.com/WOwevqX4Hc
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) March 2, 2025
Benjamin head coach Hillary Carney credited Sam’s leadership on defense as crucial to the championship.
“The defense really led the team all year,” Carney said. “It was a matter of keeping the door shut and not letting them score and knowing we would get one, maybe two. So it was really the stalwart defense leading the way with Emily being in goal and Sam being that senior in the back just settling everything.”
The championship victory represented a stunning turnaround for the Buccaneers, who won just four games during the regular season before launching a seven-game winning streak in the postseason. Their playoff run included victories over region top seed King’s Academy (twice) and four-time defending state champion Lakeland Christian.
Freshman Emma Bartoli scored the lone goal of the championship match, while Sam and fellow senior Emily Simon anchored the defense that preserved the slim advantage.
The 49-year-old Woods, who shares Sam and 16-year-old son Charlie with ex-wife Elin Nordegren, has been increasingly visible at his children’s sporting events in recent years.
Sam’s athletic success comes as she prepares for her next chapter. She will be attending Stanford University in the fall—her father’s alma mater.
The video of Tiger’s enthusiastic celebration quickly spread across social media, drawing positive reactions from fans.
“Love seeing Tiger be a dad!!” wrote one commenter, while another noted: “So awesome to see him right there in the mix with all the other parents and not off to himself somewhere like he’s better than everyone.”
A third fan added: “Good to see the GOAT so happy,” acknowledging Woods’ status as one of golf’s all-time greats.
Woods’ next start on the PGA Tour remains uncertain as he continues to balance his playing schedule with family commitments.