Hughes Norton, Tiger Woods’ first agent, is preparing to open up about a grudge he has held onto since being fired by the golf superstar decades ago. Norton played a crucial role in securing lucrative endorsement deals for Woods, including partnerships with Nike and Titleist worth $60 million in 1996 when Woods turned professional at the age of 20. Norton, a prominent golf agent with a wealth of stories from the sport, is set to release a new book titled “Rainmaker” that delves into his relationship with Woods and the circumstances surrounding his departure from the player’s team in 1998.
Norton recounted the meeting with Woods where he was informed of his termination, describing the golfer’s eyes as “zombie-like” and expressing feelings of betrayal and rejection. He noted that Woods exhibited a similar expressionless demeanor when terminating relationships with others, including swing coaches, lawyers, and caddies. Norton observed that while Woods excels at confrontation on the golf course, he lacks social skills when it comes to personal relationships, leading to difficulties in ending them gracefully. Despite the pain of being fired by Woods, Norton takes some solace in the belief that Woods treats everyone similarly when terminating relationships, emphasizing the former agent’s experiences with Woods and other individuals connected to him.
Tiger Woods’ personal life has been subject to extensive scrutiny over the years, particularly following his highly publicized scandal involving multiple infidelities during his marriage to ex-wife Elin Nordegren in 2009. More recently, Woods faced legal challenges in his relationship with Erica Herman, who attempted to sue him alleging deceit in their shared living arrangements. Woods’ career on the golf course has seen numerous successes, including 15 major titles and 82 PGA Tour victories, tying the all-time record. Throughout his career, Woods has worked with various caddies, with Lance Bennett accompanying him at the Genesis Invitational this year.
Despite withdrawing from the Genesis Invitational due to illness, Woods is expected to participate in this year’s Masters, showcasing his resilience and determination in the sport. Norton’s upcoming book promises to provide insights into his experiences with Woods and the challenges of working with the enigmatic golf superstar. The book’s release will shed light on the complexities of Woods’ relationships and interactions both on and off the golf course, offering readers a glimpse into the inner workings of one of the most iconic figures in golf history. As Woods continues to navigate his personal and professional life, the revelations in Norton’s book may offer fresh perspectives on the challenges and successes of working alongside a legendary athlete like Tiger Woods.
