Tiger Woods’ mother Kultida, a constant presence throughout his legendary career, died Tuesday morning.
“My Mom was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable,” Tiger shared on social media. “She was quick with the needle and a laugh. She was my biggest fan, greatest supporter, without her none of my personal achievements would have been possible.”
While Tiger’s father Earl often got the spotlight, it was his Thai-born mother who Tiger called “the enforcer” and the real driving force behind his success. She’d been there for every step of his journey, from shuttling him to junior tournaments to standing behind the ropes in her signature wide-brim hat during his professional triumphs.
Name
Events
Top 10
Money
Tiger Woods
378
199
$120,999,166
Kultida had just attended Tiger’s TGL match in South Florida last week, where she was shown on the broadcast. She’d moved to the area after Tiger left Orlando.
During his acceptance speech for the 2024 Bob Jones Award, the USGA’s highest honor, Tiger made sure to highlight his mother’s crucial role. “My mom doesn’t get enough credit,” he said. “Everyone thought it was my dad when I went on the road, which it was, but Mom was at home. If you don’t know, Mom has been there my entire life. She’s always been there through thick and thin.”
It was Kultida who instilled Tiger’s trademark toughness and even inspired his famous Sunday red attire, which he called his “power color.” She witnessed countless historic moments, including his breakthrough 1997 Masters victory and his incredible 2019 Masters comeback, where she waited behind the 18th green alongside grandchildren Sam and Charlie.
“She has allowed me to get here,” Tiger said in that same speech. “She allowed me to do these things, chase my dreams, and the support and love – I didn’t do this alone. I had the greatest rock that any child could possibly have: my mom. Thank you, Mommy.”
Kultida and Earl Woods were married for 37 years until his death at age 74 in 2006.
Tiger, 49, is set to host next week’s Genesis Invitational, which has moved from Riviera Country Club to Torrey Pines in San Diego. It’s unclear whether he’ll compete.
“Thank you all for your support, prayers and privacy at this difficult time for me and my family,” Tiger said.
