Tiger Woods' father dies of cancer

Earl Woods, who recognized and harnessed the golfing talents of his child-prodigy son Tiger Woods, died early Wednesday after a long battle with cancer.

Woods, who was 74, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1998 and was treated with radiation. The cancer returned in 2004 and spread throughout his body.

"I'm very saddened to share the news of my father's passing at home early this morning," Woods said in a statement on his website. "My dad was my best friend and greatest role model, and I will miss him deeply.

"I'm overwhelmed when I think of all of the great things he accomplished in his life. He was an amazing dad, coach, mentor, soldier, husband and friend. I wouldn't be where I am today without him, and I'm honoured to continue his legacy of sharing and caring."

Woods last played competitively at the Masters in April, the first time he had participated in the prestigious event without his father present in Augusta, Ga.

In 2005, Woods broke down after winning his fourth Masters title to pay tribute to his father, who was in Augusta but unable to watch the tournament in person due to his failing health.

'I never treated Tiger like a kid'

The father-and-son combo were one of the most famous in sports history, with the elder Woods guiding his prodigiously talented son in his golfing exploits almost from birth, and nicknaming him "Tiger" after a former military colleague and friend.

"I never treated Tiger like a kid," Earl Woods told Golf Digest in 2001. "I treated Tiger as an equal. We transcended the parent-child relationship and became best friends a long time ago."

Earl Woods was born in 1932 in Manhattan, Kan. He played baseball and earned a degree at Kansas State University.

After finishing school, he joined the U.S. Army and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. While overseas he met his future wife, Kutilda, in her native Thailand.

The couple settled in Cypress, Calif., and Woods began to take up golf upon his retirement as a lieutenant colonel in 1974.

Woods let Tiger golf at 10 months

Eldrick Woods was born on Dec. 30, 1975. As a 10-month-old, he saw his father hitting golf balls and became fascinated.

"I just unstrapped him out of the high chair, allowed him to come over and play," Woods told Golf Digest. "He picked up a putter, put a ball down, waggled and hit a ball into the net. First time."

When he wasn't quite three, Tiger appeared on The Mike Douglas Show to show off his precocious skills, the first of a number of such appearances on television that Earl would help engineer over the years.

At 15, Tiger became the youngest U.S. amateur champion. He would win the title three consecutive years.

Criticized for some coaching methods

While Earl Woods never joined the ranks of notorious parents of child sports stars, he faced some criticism for his training tactics with Tiger, which included intentionally distracting him while he was shooting.

As well, his vocal support of his son's talents sometimes rankled feathers with members of the media and amateur and professional officials.

"He's the bridge between the East and the West," the father once said. "There is no limit because he has the guidance. I don't know yet exactly what form this will take. But he is the Chosen One. He'll have the power to impact nations. Not people. Nations. The world is just getting a taste of his power."

Tiger Woods was already attracting attention for his prowess and ethnically diverse background by the time he reached Stanford University and turned pro in 1996.

Though riches followed as Tiger racked up 66 professional titles, 10 majors and numerous endorsements, Earl preferred to live in the same house where his son was raised.

In addition to his wife and son Tiger, Earl Woods is survived by three children from a previous marriage.

With files from the Associated Press