Golf legend Tiger Woods is mourning the loss of his mother, Kultida “Tida” Woods, who passed away at the age of 78. In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Woods described her as a “force of nature” and his “biggest fan.”
Born in 1944, Tida was of Thai, Dutch, and Chinese descent. She met Earl Woods, Tiger’s father, in 1968 while working as a civilian secretary in Bangkok. The couple married in 1969 and settled in California, where they raised their son. Tida played a pivotal role in Tiger’s upbringing, instilling in him values of discipline, resilience, and a deep connection to his heritage. She introduced him to Buddhism and emphasized the importance of understanding his multicultural background.
Unwavering Support
Throughout Tiger’s illustrious career, Tida was a constant presence, offering unwavering support. She was often seen at his tournaments, cheering him on from the sidelines. Notably, she was present during his historic victory at the 2019 Masters, a moment that marked one of the greatest comebacks in sports history. Reflecting on her influence, Woods once said, “I had the greatest rock that any child could possibly have: my mom,” as reported by Golf.
Tida’s influence extended beyond the golf course. She was instrumental in shaping Tiger’s character, teaching him the importance of humility and perseverance. In a 2024 speech, Woods highlighted his mother’s role in his life, stating, “My mom doesn’t get enough credit. 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,” as reported by Golf.
The cause of Tida’s death has not been publicly disclosed. In his statement shared by ESPN, Woods expressed profound grief, saying, “I am heartbroken to announce that my mother, Tida, has passed away. She was my biggest fan and my most unwavering supporter. Her strength and resilience were unparalleled, and her love was unconditional. I will miss her dearly.”
Tributes Pouring In
Tributes have poured in from the sporting community and beyond. NFL legend Tom Brady shared his condolences, posting three heart emojis. Former U.S. President Donald Trump also offered his sympathies, noting, “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!” as reported by TalkSport.
Kultida Woods is survived by her son, Tiger, and her grandchildren, Sam and Charlie. Funeral arrangements have not been publicly announced. The family has requested privacy as they navigate this profound loss.
The passing of Kultida Woods marks the end of a significant chapter in Tiger’s life. Her contributions to his journey, both personally and professionally, are immeasurable. As the golf community and fans worldwide offer their condolences, they also celebrate the life of a woman whose strength, dedication, and love profoundly impacted one of the greatest athletes of our time.
Tiger Woods has requested that, instead of flowers, donations be made to the TGR Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering students to pursue their passions through education. This gesture reflects Tida’s commitment to education and her desire to make a positive impact on future generations.
As the world reflects on the life of Kultida Woods, it’s clear that her legacy will endure, not only through her son’s achievements but also through the countless lives touched by her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering support.
