Nationwide — Tiger Woods announced on Tuesday that his mother, Kultida Woods, has passed away at the age of 81. In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, the legendary golfer expressed his deep sorrow, describing his mother as a “force of nature” with an undeniable spirit. “She was my biggest fan, greatest supporter, and without her, none of my personal achievements would have been possible,” Woods, 49, wrote on Feburary 4th.
According to People, Kultida was last seen publicly supporting her son at his TGL match in South Florida just last week, according to NBC Sports. She was married to Woods’ father, Earl, for 37 years until his passing in 2006. While Earl was a military man, Tiger often credited Kultida as the strict disciplinarian in his life, once joking in a 2017 interview with USA Today, “My dad may have been in the Special Forces, but I was never afraid of him. My mom, on the other hand, I’m still deathly afraid of her.”
Throughout Tiger’s career, Kultida was a constant presence, cheering him on from the sidelines. She proudly joined her grandchildren at his induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2022, often seen wearing her signature oversized black glasses and visor. Her unwavering support and belief in her son’s talent played a significant role in his journey to becoming one of the greatest golfers in history.
One of Kultida’s most lasting influences on Tiger was her insistence that he wear red on Sundays—a superstition she believed brought him strength and success. Though skeptical at first, Tiger eventually embraced the tradition after experiencing losses while wearing blue during junior tournaments. “I switched to red and went on a hot streak,” he once quipped.
In a 2009 statement on his website, Tiger reflected on his mother’s guidance, writing simply, “You should always listen to your mom.” Her legacy as both a devoted mother and an essential part of Tiger’s journey will be remembered forever.