Tiger Woods has announced that his mother Kultida has died. She was 78.
The 15-time major winner was extremely close to his mother, who saw him emerge to conquer the game before standing by him during his downfall from 2009’s sex scandal.
Woods, 49, did not reveal the cause of death but she was present in the crowd last week in Florida when Woods played in the TGL, his new simulator-infused golf league, against Rory McIlroy on Jan. 27.
Woods said in a statement: ‘It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning.
‘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.
‘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.’
Tiger Woods has announced the death of his mother Kultida at the age of 78
Kultida pictured with Woods after his first press conference following the 2009 sex scandal
Woods, with his first wife Elin Nordegren and mother Lultida in California in 2008
It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning. 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,… pic.twitter.com/RoKd0fsM9J
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) February 4, 2025
In June 2024, speaking upon receiving the Bob Jones award – one of the most prestigious individual honors in golf – Woods paid an emotional tribute to his mother.
‘My mom doesn’t get enough credit,’ he said, with her in the audience. ‘Everyone thought that 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.
‘This award, I accept it in humbleness and just unbelievable regard for the past recipients, but I also accept it for my mommy, too.
‘She allowed me to get here. 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.’
As well as being there to witness her son’s all-conquering career in golf, she was also there during his downfall, too.
After his string of infidelities on his then-wife Elin Nordegren had been exposed, culminating in a car crash at his Florida home in the early hours of the morning, Woods resurfaced three months later at a press conference where he apologized for his affairs.
His mom was one of the few people sat in the room with him that day.
Woods said that despite her public support, she made sure he faced the consequences of his actions alongside Nordegren.
Woods poses with his mother after winning the US Open in 2000 at Pebble Beach
Woods received the Presidential Medal of Freedom with his mom in 2019 from Donald Trump
‘They both have been brutal. They’ve both been very tough,’ he said. ‘Because I hurt them the most.
‘Those are the two people in my life who I’m closest to and to say the things that I’ve done, truthfully to them, is honestly was very painful.’
Speaking specifically of his mother’s influence, he added: ‘I had gotten away from my core values as I said earlier. I’d gotten away from my Buddhism. And I quit meditating.
‘I quit doing all the things that my Mom and Dad had taught me. And as I said earlier in my statement, I felt entitled, and that is not how I was raised.’
President Trump immediately offered his condolences to Woods, posting on Truth Social: ‘I was just informed that Tiger Woods’ wonderful Mother, Kultida, passed away — She has gone onto greener fairways!
Woods said his mom was ‘brutal’ on him in the fallout of the infidelities that ruined his marriage
Woods pictured with mother Kultida and father Earl in 1996 – Earl died in 2006 from cancer
‘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!’
Woods received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump in 2019. His mother joined him at the White House for the ceremony, alongside his three children and his then-girlfriend, Erica Herman.
Woods’ father, Earl, died in 2006 from prostate cancer. He met Kultida at a Bangkok U.S. Army base in the 1960s.
Woods said at the time: ‘My dad was my best friend and greatest role model, and I will miss him deeply. I’m overwhelmed when I think of all of the great things he accomplished in his life.
‘He was an amazing dad, coach, mentor, soldier, husband and friend. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him, and I’m honored to continue his legacy of sharing and caring.’
