Tiger Woods has always been a draw, even before he turned pro. Steve Coughlin, also known as Stanford Steve, a popular ESPN personality, shared a story about the first time he met Tiger Woods on a recruiting trip. Coughlin, a big golf fan, discussed the PGA Championship and his love for the sport on GOLF’s Subpar podcast. He attended Stanford and played tight end for the Cardinals, winning national player of the year in Connecticut. A recruiting trip to Stanford in 1996 helped him make his decision to attend the university.
During Coughlin’s recruiting visit to Stanford, there was a mystery guest speaker scheduled to address the group. As dinner began, Tiger Woods walked in late, apologizing for being late because his roommates had just finished building a computer. Despite initially being unsure about attending Stanford, Coughlin had a nice conversation with Woods, who turned out to be a good recruiting tool for the university. Out of the 15 recruits present, 14 ended up committing to Stanford. Woods went on to win his third straight U.S. Amateur that summer, turning pro shortly after and winning a total of 15 major titles.
As the managing editor of GOLF.com, Josh Berhow handles the day-to-day and long-term planning of one of the most-read golf news and service websites. He spends his days writing, editing, and planning content while also wondering if he’ll ever break 80 on the golf course. Prior to joining GOLF.com in 2015, Berhow worked at newspapers in Minnesota and Iowa. A graduate of Minnesota State University in Mankato, Berhow currently lives in the Twin Cities with his wife and two children.
The story of Tiger Woods and Steve Coughlin’s meeting highlights the impact Woods had even before turning pro. The anecdote showcases Woods’ charisma and influence in the sport of golf, as well as his ability to attract and inspire young athletes like Coughlin. The recruiting trip to Stanford, with Woods as a surprise guest speaker, played a significant role in Coughlin’s decision to attend the university. This interaction with Woods illustrates the power of mentorship and connection in shaping the future of aspiring athletes.
As an ESPN personality and former football player, Coughlin’s encounter with Woods reflects the crossover appeal and influence of golf in the world of sports. The tale of their meeting serves as a reminder of Woods’ impact on the next generation of athletes and his ability to inspire greatness in others. Coughlin’s experience with Woods also underscores the importance of mentorship and personal connection in sports recruitment and development. Overall, the story of Tiger Woods and Steve Coughlin’s meeting is a testament to the enduring legacy and influence of one of golf’s greatest players.
