SAN DIEGO — On Monday, Tiger Woods made the decision to withdraw from the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines, citing that he is still coming to terms with the recent passing of his mother. Kultida Woods passed away unexpectedly last Tuesday at the age of 80.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Woods expressed, “I planned to tee it up this week, but I’m just not ready. I did my best to prepare, knowing it’s what my mom would have wanted, but I’m still processing her loss.” As the host of the Genesis Invitational, he has indicated that he hopes to be present at the tournament later in the week and expressed gratitude for the ongoing support he has received since her death.
It came as somewhat of a surprise when Woods, who has not competed on the PGA Tour since last summer’s British Open at Royal Troon, announced his participation in this prestigious $20 million event. The tour had even created a special exemption category just for him to ensure he could participate in signature events. Jake Knapp will take Woods’ place in the tournament.
Prior to this announcement, Woods had traveled to Washington for a meeting with President Donald Trump, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, and player director Adam Scott. He returned to Florida with his plane departing early on Tuesday morning, following a weekend where he and his son, Charlie, enjoyed a round of golf with Trump before the president headed to New Orleans for the Super Bowl.
Woods has characterized his mother as a “force of nature,” calling her the “greatest rock any child could possibly have.” While his father was instrumental in nurturing his golf career, his mother provided a steady, guiding presence. She was the one who encouraged him to wear red on Sundays, instilled a fierce competitive spirit within him, and emphasized the importance of sportsmanship.
The loss of his mother came as a shock, as she had intended to travel to California this week for the Genesis Invitational, an event that benefits Woods’ charitable foundation. This year’s Genesis Invitational had to be relocated from Riviera due to severe wildfires affecting Los Angeles. The connection to Torrey Pines is significant for Woods, having won multiple tournaments there, including the prestigious 2008 U.S. Open while coping with a double stress fracture in his left leg.
Woods’ last top-10 finish on the PGA Tour occurred at Torrey Pines in 2020, a year before he suffered life-threatening injuries in a car crash. Since then, he has participated exclusively in majors, the Genesis Invitational, and his annual holiday event in the Bahamas.
