Kultida Woods, the mother of 15-time major champion Tiger Woods, has died aged 80, he announced in a statement on Tuesday.
Kultida was in attendance at her son’s TGL match in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida last week. Her cause of death has not been announced.
It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning,” Tiger said. “My Mom was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable. 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.”
Condolences were offered from people and organisations from across the world of sport. NFL legend Tom Brady replied to the statement with three heart emojis, while a PGA of America spokesman said: “Sending our condolences to the Woods family today.”
She was loved by so many, but especially by her two grandchildren, Sam and Charlie. Thank you all for your support, prayers and privacy at this difficult time for me and my family. Love you, Mom.”
President Donald Trump said on his Truth Social platform: “I was just informed that Tiger Woods’ wonderful Mother, Kultida, passed away — She has gone onto greener fairways! Kultida Woods was an amazing influence on Tiger, and gave him much of his strength and brilliance. Melania and I send our love and prayers to Tiger and his incredible family!”
Kultida (née Punsawad) was born in Thailand. She worked as a secretary at the same military base where Earl Woods, a member of the United States Army Special Forces was deployed in 1998. They were married one year later, and Tiger was born in 1975.
As a devoted fan Tida showed continuous support for her son success by watching all his worldwide appearances that spanned from junior events to his championship victories. The relationship between Earl and his mother deepened after his father’s passing when Earl became 77 years old in 2006 because she assisted him through both his health problems and public relationship scandals.
The previous week Tida sat next to Woods during his second TGL contest in his technological arena golf league. As his Jupiter Links team defeated Rory McIlroy’s Boston Common in the match Woods held up a quick greeting to his mother before the game. Not gonna suck tonight. Okay?” The player made this statement during his initial appearance in the TGL competition which occurred in January.
Woods has not yet announced his participation in the PGA Tour event he organizes called The Genesis Invitational which must be played at Torrey Pines next week when fires in Los Angeles required shifting the event from its typical home at Riviera Country Club. The PGA Tour has not seen Woods participate in any matches this year.