Professional golf does n't completely owe its massive growth over the last 20 years to Tiger Woods .
Since the 14 - time major champion won his first major at the 1997 Masters , the game and that special event have become significantly more popular around the world .
Professional golf does n't completely owe its massive growth over the last 20 years to Tiger Woods , but since the 14 - time major champion won his first major at the 1997 Masters , the game and that special event have become significantly more popular around the world .