Tiger Woods has had one of the most dominant golf careers in history and in many ways, he changed the face of the sport.  After entering the PGA in 1996, Woods had maintained an impeccable image, both on the golf course and in his personal life, until 2009 when a scandal erupted.

On this day, December 11th, in 2009, Tiger Woods announced a leave from professional golf to focus on his marriage.  After a National Enquirer report about an extramarital affair by Woods, information quickly began to surface, adding validation to the claim. Woods’ infidelity became fact, when he admitted to the accusations in the December 11th press release.  Woods apologized to the public and announced he would be taking an “indefinite break from professional golf.”

His commitment to focusing on his marriage would not help to reconcile his relationship with his wife Elin Nordegren.  The two divorced in 2010. Woods has since returned to professional golf, but lost his #1 ranking.