Read the full Q&A with golf's biggest star from the May issue of SI Kids

	Tiger Woods has become one of the most dominant athletes in all of sports. Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images

When someone truly excelled in a particular field, that person used to be called, "the Michael Jordan of . . ." Now Tiger Woods is becoming the standard against which greatness is measured. The reason for the shift is Woods's growing dominance. Through February 25, he had won every event he had entered in 2008, and more than 50% of the events he'd participated in since 2006. At the 2007 PGA Championship in August, he won his 13th major title, placing him just five wins behind career record-holder Jack Nicklaus. His title at the 2008 Accenture Match Play Championship put him in fourth place on the all-time victories list (63). SI Kids was granted a rare exclusive interview with Woods last December. Tiger talked about winning major championships, becoming a father, and his video-game skills. (You might be surprised to learn that Woods is not the Tiger Woods of his own golf video game.)

Q. What is the most memorable golf shot you've hit as a professional?

A. The best-feeling golf shot I ever hit was at [the 2002 PGA Championship at Minnesota's] Hazeltine National Golf Club. We were finishing up our second round on Saturday [instead of Friday] because there was a rain delay. I pulled my tee shot on 18 into the left bunker. There was about a 25 mile-an-hour wind coming from the left, the ball was below my feet, and I had to get it through these trees and hook it at the same time. I hit this shot, and it was the greatest feeling you could possibly have. It was a shot that felt so good it went up the shaft, into my hands, through my arms, and straight into my heart. The ball landed on the green. The greatest thing was I made the putt from about 15 feet. You gotta cap it off.

Q. What do you do to prepare for majors that has made you so successful?

A. It's understanding how to bring mind and body together. Majors are so different. They test every facet of your game. There's nothing like it, because there are only four of them and it means so much in the history of your sport. I think over the years I've always prepared for big events pretty well, from the U.S. Amateurs to the major championships we play now.

Q. You've met some of the greatest golfers ever. What have you learned from those experiences?

A. One is being able to pick their brains. It's amazing how, especially in our sport, the more legendary [the players] are, the more they want to share with you. They're willing to share the experiences they've had. From Arnold [Palmer] to Jack [Nicklaus] to Byron [Nelson]. They've been able to sit down with me and run on for long periods of time about their games and how I can improve my game. I'm also lucky enough that I have been able to play practice rounds with some of the greatest players of all time. I've watched them do things and also picked their brains along the way. "Why did you hit that? How did you hit that?" Then they would say, "Well, what if you try this?" Oh, I've never thought of that. Cool, I am going to go try that and see if it actually works.

Q. In January the Tiger Woods Foundation launched the Fist Pump Challenge contest where kids can share their greatest accomplishments. What was your "fist pump moment?"

A. Golfwise, it has to be beating my dad for the first time. I was 11. I birdied 16, and I had a putt from about 15 feet on 18. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a right to left putt, and I knocked it in and I gave my first fist pump actually. I don't know where that came from. I had never done it before. My dad had about a 12-footer just beside me, and he missed. I shot 71; he shot 72. I just ran off the green, picked up my bag, went over to the restaurant and ordered my Coke and beer nuts from the lady who was there, the waitress Pauline -- you never forget these things, you know? She said, "Why are you so excited?" I said, "I beat my dad! I beat my dad!" Everybody gave my dad a hard time. It was the biggest moment of my life at the time.

Q. How good are you at the Tiger Woods golf video game?

A. Not very good. I can probably shoot 75. I used to be able to shoot below 60, but they keep making the game harder and harder.

Q. Who is the most entertaining celebrity to play golf with?

A. The funniest movement I ever saw on a golf swing would have to be [Charles] Barkley. But the best non-golfer I've played with was [Atlanta Braves pitcher] John Smoltz, by far. He is incredible. I played with him in Michigan, and he shot 66. The guy can really play.

Q. You and your wife, Elin, welcomed your first child, daughter Sam Alexis, in June. What surprised you most about becoming a father?

A. The work involved, but also the joy you get from all that work. Before I was a parent, I never would have guessed how much joy you get from doing the little things.

Q. After all your accomplishments so far, have you changed any of your career goals?

A. No, they're still the same. Just win every tournament I play in.