Tiger Woods' Father Dies

After a long battle with prostate cancer, Earl Woods, father of Tiger Woods, passed away Wednesday at the age of 74.

In a statement posted on his Web site, Tiger Woods said:

I’m very saddened to share the news of my father’s passing at home early this morning. 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 honored to continue his legacy of sharing and caring. Thank you to all who are sending condolences to my family and our Foundation. We are truly blessed to have so many who care during this difficult time.

If you'd like to make a donation to the Tiger Woods Foundation in Earl's memory, you can do so here. Another option is a donation to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

Read the Associated Press obituary of Earl Woods.

Here are some appreciations and remembrances of Earl, who did a remarkable parenting job guiding young Tiger to greatness:

• Ron Sirak: You did good, Earl (golfworld.com)
• Tom Callahan: Tiger's dad gave us all some lessons to remember (espn.com)
• Pete McDaniel: The courage of Earl Woods (golfdigest.com)
• Tim Rosaforte: Earl taught Tiger the art of winning (espn.com)

Click on "read more" to go below the fold and read PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem's statement on the passing of Earl Woods.

Here is PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem's statement:

All of us at the PGA TOUR are very saddened to learn of the passing of Tiger Woods’ father, Earl. Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to Tiger and his family during this very sad time.

Earl Woods will always be remembered for the tremendous way in which he and Tiger’s mother, Kultida, provided Tiger with every opportunity to develop the physical and mental qualities that enabled Tiger to become the world’s best golfer and an outstanding representative of the game and its values.

Earl was completely committed to broadening opportunities in the game of golf for young people of all backgrounds. We remember with deep appreciation his participation in the launch of The First Tee several years ago, as he joined our kick-off in New York and other cities and spoke so movingly about the positive effects golf could have on the lives of young people. Later, we watched as he provided support to Tiger’s efforts to grow the game’s reach and impact through The Tiger Woods Foundation and The Tiger Woods Learning Center.

As a result of Earl’s and Kultida’s example, over the last decade countless parents have begun to look with appreciation at the opportunities and skills that golf can provide to their children, either as a career opportunity or as simply a life-enhancing activity.

Earl Woods’ impact on golf will be felt long into the future, and we join his family and many friends in mourning his passing.