Kultida Woods, the mother of prominent golfer Tiger Woods, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80. Woods shared the news through a heartfelt message on social media but did not reveal any details regarding the cause of her death. Just a week prior, Kultida was seen attending Woods’ indoor TMRW Golf League match in South Florida, where she had made her home.
In his tribute, Woods referred to his mother as a “force of nature” and acknowledged the important role she played throughout his life, from driving him to junior golf events in California to supporting him across all 15 of his major championships. She was known for her signature wide-brimmed visor and sunglasses, traits that made her presence at tournaments distinctly memorable.
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning,” Tiger wrote. He emphasized that her spirit was undeniable and highlighted her keen sense of humor and quick wit. Citing her as his biggest supporter, Woods reflected on how none of his accomplishments would have been possible without her. He also mentioned the deep love she received from many, especially her grandchildren, Sam and Charlie.
Reactions poured in from the golfing community, with notable figures, including President Donald Trump, acknowledging Kultida’s significant influence on Woods’ life and career. This loss follows the death of Woods’ father, Earl, who passed away in 2006.
Kultida, often referred to as “Tida,” met Earl Woods while working as a civilian secretary in the U.S. Army in Bangkok. They married without her speaking much English, and shortly thereafter, they left Thailand for the U.S. for the first time in 1968. Their journey took them from Brooklyn to Cypress, California, where Tiger was born in 1975. While Earl introduced Tiger to golf, Kultida instilled discipline and support throughout his formative years.
In accepting the Bob Jones Award from the USGA last year, Woods expressed that while his father was often in the spotlight, it was his mother who remained a constant pillar of support at home. He remarked on her unwavering dedication and how she enabled him to pursue his dreams, giving him the strong foundation necessary for his successes.
Kultida aimed to pass on Tiger’s Thai heritage, taking him to Thailand for the first time when he was just nine years old. This trip marked the beginning of a connection that influenced his early golfing career as he returned later to compete in multiple tournaments, achieving victory every time.
Their shared tenacity was evident. In a rare 2009 interview, Tida revealed her philosophy on societal expectations to the media, imparting wisdom to her son: “You can’t do things just to please other people,” she said, a motto that resonated deeply within Tiger’s own journey as an athlete.
In addition to imparting life lessons, Kultida played a role in establishing Woods’ iconic Sunday red shirt tradition, which symbolized strength and power according to her Thai beliefs. The color became a hallmark of his playing style, one that Woods still embraces today, even launching a clothing line inspired by it named Sun Day Red.
Kultida maintained an engaging presence in Woods’ life, providing a new tiger head cover for his driver each year that bore the Thai inscription, “Love from Mom.” Even after moving to a more modern home in Orange County following her husband’s death, she continued to follow Woods around the country, often attending prestigious tournaments like The Masters, where she cheered on her son as he claimed his fifth green jacket in 2019.
Tiger Woods has always credited his mother for shaping his career and character from the very beginning. His memories date back to her driving him to tournaments with just enough money for hot dogs and phone calls. In a past interview, he candidly expressed, “My mom’s still here, and I’m still deathly afraid of her,” reflecting the powerful bond and respect he had for her unwavering discipline throughout his life.
This story has corrected prior inaccuracies regarding Kultida Woods’ age, acknowledging her legacy in the world of sports and the profound impact she had on her son’s extraordinary journey.
