News: Earl Woods, father of Tiger Woods has died

Earl Woods the father and driving force behind golf phenom Tiger Woods, died today after an ongoing battle with cancer.

Earl Woods, the driving force behind Tiger Woods' phenomenal career, has died.

The 74-year old Woods passed away at his home today (Wednesday 3rd, May) in Cypress, California after a long battle with cancer.

In a statement on his website Tiger said “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."

Woods was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1998 and was treated with radiation, but the cancer returned in 2004 and spread throughout his body.

Last month, he was too frail to travel to the Masters for the first time where Tiger finished tied for third. The last tournament Woods attended was the Target World Challenge in December 2004, when his son rallied to win and then donated $1.25 million to the Tiger Woods Foundation that his father helped him establish.