Hughes Norton, Tiger Woods’ first agent, is looking to settle a grudge he has harbored since the golf superstar was fired decades ago.
When Woods entered the world of professional golf in 1996 at the ripe age of 20, Norton was there to assist him, especially with endorsements. He was key to Woods’ contracts with Nike and Titleist, worth a total of $60 million that year.
Norton is a golf super agent with many anecdotes related to golf, including his relationship with Woods, which are detailed in his new book, “The Rainmaker.”
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Tiger Woods watches the ball fly during the Los Angeles Open in Los Angeles, California. (Gary Newkirk/All Sports)
And more specifically, how that relationship ended.
Norton was fired by Woods in 1998, and his agency, IMG, fired him two months later.
He recalled his meeting with Woods in his book, describing the star golfer’s eyes as “zombie-like” as he told his agent he was no longer working with him.
Tiger Woods ‘disappointed’ after withdrawing from Genesis Invitation due to illness
“This was a betrayal with a capital B,” Norton told the Daily Mail.
“On a professional level, I thought I had done my job well. On a personal level, it was a denial of the relationship we had for 10 years together.”
Woods’ golf career has had its ups and downs since becoming a professional, but Norton said the “unemotional” face Woods showed during his dismissal conference has since turned against others. It is said that it is also used.
“The only consolation I can get, which I don’t get much of, is that he was an equal opportunity zombie with his relationships, his swing coach, his lawyer, his IMG agency contract negotiator, his caddy,” Norton said. He writes in his book. According to the book, email. “When it’s over, it’s over.
Tiger Woods of the United States hits a shot from the 13th tee during the second round of The Players Championship at the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida on May 11, 2018. (Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
“That’s the way he cuts off relationships with everyone, whether it’s his girlfriend or his former golf coach. It’s really ironic. In a way, he’s the type of guy who doesn’t want to have a showdown on the golf course.” He’s very good. If he’s playing with you, he’ll beat your brains out.” “But when you’re faced with the likes of me and other people, he has no social skills at all.” In fact, it’s infuriating.”
Woods’ personal life has been in the public eye for decades, including a scandal in 2009 with ex-wife Elin Nordegren, with whom he had multiple affairs during their marriage.
His recent relationship with Erica Herman ended when she tried to sue him, accusing him of tricking her into moving out of the house they shared in order to carry out her belongings. Mr. Herman eventually dropped the case after losing numerous times in court.
On the course, Woods has won 15 major titles and 82 wins on the PGA Tour, tied for the most in history. He went through three caddies in his career before joining Lance Bennett at this year’s Genesis Invitational. Mike “Fluff” Cowan (1996-1999), Steve Williams (1999-2011) and Joe LaCava (2012-2023) were with him over the years.
American Tiger Woods hits a shot from the bunker on the 10th hole during a practice round before the start of the 2018 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 3, 2018 in Augusta, Georgia. (Andrew Reddington/Getty Images)
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Woods missed the Genesis Invitational due to illness, but is expected to play in this year’s Masters.
Meanwhile, Norton’s book is scheduled to be released on Tuesday.
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