"Tiger Woods changed the game" - Anthony Kim pays respect to the 15x Major winner on the latter's 50th birthday

Tiger Woods’ impact on golf continues to earn respect across generations, and Anthony Kim is the latest to acknowledge it. As Woods turned 50 on Tuesday, December 30, Kim praised the 15-time Major winner for his contribution to the sport and for influencing countless players.

Kim posted his tribute on X, calling Woods a game-changer whose presence still matters in today’s game.

🫡 @TigerWoods changed the game of golf and changed the lives of so many thru his accomplishments & @ 50 is still THE needle mover in the game. HBD 2 the goat. Respect. 1% BETTER. SOBER is DOPR🔥,” Kim wrote.

A three-time PGA Tour winner, Kim returned to competitive golf in 2024 after nearly 12 years away. He later joined LIV Golf but was relegated in August 2025. Despite the long gap, Kim has often spoken about his admiration for Woods, and that respect has been mutual.

One such moment dates back to 2008, when Woods highlighted a distinctive part of Kim’s game. Kim was known for gripping down several inches on almost every club in his bag. Speaking during a Nike Golf clinic in October 2008, Woods explained why it worked.

“He’s the only player I’ve ever seen that actually plays pretty much the entire bag choked up. It does provide a lot of control; you don’t hit the ball as far offline. You hit the ball very straight that way,” Woods said (via Golf Digest)

Kim was not alone in honoring Tiger Woods on his birthday. Wishes poured in from across the golf world, including from longtime rival Phil Mickelson. Even at 50, Woods continues to be one of the sport’s most influential figures with fellow players still crediting him for changing golf both on and off the course.

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Golf world and sports stars join in to celebrate Tiger Woods at 50

Tributes also came from current stars and athletes outside golf. Golf Channel shared a tribute video on Instagram featuring messages from players who have competed alongside Tiger Woods across different eras.

Rory McIlroy kept it simple, saying:

"Tiger, it's your old buddy Rory here. Just wanna wish you the very happiest of birthdays."

Justin Thomas added a touch of humor, joking:

"Happy 50th birthday, my man. The day has officially come, you can move up another set of tees."

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Lydia Ko, and Nelly Korda were also among those who sent their wishes. Outside of golf, NBA star Stephen Curry and Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps joined in as well.

Turning 50 also makes Tiger Woods eligible for the PGA Tour Champions once he is fully fit. While the senior circuit allows carts and shorter events, Woods has not said whether he plans to compete there as he continues his recovery.

Edited by Parag Jain