Five Little Known Facts About Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods is maybe the most recognizable athlete on the map. He's a mega-millionaire, has just been through a very high profile meltdown/divorce and is nearly single-handedly responsible for the ratings each PGA Tour events gets.

Most people think they know everything about him, and it seems like any golf fan should. But here are five things you probably didn't know about him.

His Full Name?

Well, what is it?

His first name isn't really Tiger, is it?

And what about his middle name?

His full name is actually Eldrick Tont Woods.

In case you're wondering, Tont is a traditional Thai name (Tiger's mother is Thai).

So How He'd Get the Nickname "Tiger"?

Was it because of his fiery demeanor?

His competitive spirit?

The fear he struck in the hearts of his opponents?

Nope.

He was named after a friend of his father's, Vietnamese Colonel Vuong Dang Phong.

He Was a What?

Much like Mozart, who began performing music at age six, and Bobby Fischer, who won the US Chess Championship at age 14, Woods was a child prodigy.

In fact, Woods broke 70 strokes on a major golf course at age 12 and putted against Bob Hope on television at age three.

He Achieved a New Nickname in College?

Woods was recruited heavily going into college and eventually chose Stanford for school.

He had an impressive college career, including three straight amateur titles and being named Pac-10 Player of the Year, NCAA First-Team All-American and Stanford's Male Freshman of the Year (an award that included all sports).

He also declared a major in economics, and college teammate Notah Begay III nicknamed him "Urkel."

Sounds like Begay really showed him.

He Made How Much?

According to Forbes, Woods made about $105 million in the 2009-10 year, making him the richest athlete in the world.

He is speculated to be worth cumulatively around $500 to $600 million.

His wife, Elin Nordegren, reportedlly received a $750 million settlement (according to dailyfinance.com).