Tiger Woods: 15-time major winner gives emotional speech at World Golf Hall of Fame induction

An emotional Tiger Woods choked back the tears as he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame on Wednesday after a moving speech by his 14-year-old daughter Sam.

After Sam spoke of not knowing if her father would emerge in one piece from last year's horrific car crash, Woods recalled battling racism as a junior player and the support of his parents, coaches and friends.

«I didn't get here alone,» said the 46-year-old American. «I had unbelievable parents, mentors and friends who supported me in the darkest of times and celebrated the highest of times.

»It's actually a team award. All of you allowed me to get here and I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart."

In a glittering career, which may not be over yet, Woods has won 15 majors — second only to Jack Nicklaus' 18 — and a joint record 82 times on the PGA Tour with Sam Snead.

And in a recorded video message, Nicklaus paid tribute by saying «I first saw him when has about 13. I watched this skinny kid hit a few balls and I was told he'd be good. I said we'd see about that. We've now seen.»

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said: «Sport needs hype. Not many people live up to it. Tiger exceeded it.»

His list of playing achievements is lengthy, including spending a record 683 weeks as world number one, but he is also recognised for his work with his TGR Foundation, set up in 1996 to improve the health, education and welfare of children.

His own golfing career started in humble fashion. He recounted tales of searching for golf balls to be able to practice, and of putting for quarters and dollars, which he said, with a smile, that his late father Earl frowned upon.

Woods encountered racism when going to junior tournaments. «I was not allowed into the clubhouses.