Tiger Woods Recalls Parents And Racism Fight In Hall Of Fame Entry

A tearful Tiger Woods recalled fighting racism as a youth and the support of his parents on Wednesday in an emotional induction ceremony to the World Golf Hall of Fame. Woods was hailed for a transcendent career that has seen him capture 15 major titles, second only to the career-record 18 of Jack Nicklaus, and win 82 US PGA Tour titles, level with Sam Snead for the all-time record. He thanked instructors, caddies, friends and family -- many of them in attendance -- for the support that helped him turn childhood dreams into a historic sport career.

"I didn't get here alone," Woods said. "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."

The 46-year-old American was among four enshrined in a ceremony at US PGA Tour headquarters in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, joined by former PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem, the late pioneer golf course developer Marion Hollins and four-time women's major winner Susie Maxwell Berning.

Woods was emotional before he began reflecting on his life, opening his remarks by saying, "I just lost a bet to (PGA veteran Steve) Stricker I wouldn't cry."

Woods recalled having to search for lost golf balls to practice with as a child and his inspirational late father Earl telling him to stop putting for quarters, so "I come home a week later, I had a pocket full of dollars."

"One of the things that drove me was his passion to play the game of golf," Woods said of his dad.

Woods was stung by racism when denied access to clubhouses, so he changed shoes in the parking lot.

"You had to be twice as good to