Tiger Woods announces death of mother Kultida: ‘She was my biggest fan’

Kultida Woods, the mother of 15-time major champion Tiger Woods, died early Tuesday morning, according to a social media post from the legendary golfer.

The post did not include a cause of death for Kultida, who was seen at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens in recent weeks supporting her son’s new venture, TGL. She was 78.

“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.”

TGL’s royal patrons: Who are the billionaires flocking to Tiger Woods’ new golf league?

Woods, who lives on Jupiter Island, paid tribute to his mother last year when he received the Bob Jones Award, the United States Golf Association’s highest honor.

“My mom doesn’t get enough credit,” Woods said during the ceremony. “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.”

A native of Thailand, Kultida met Woods’ father, Earl, in the 1960s during the Vietnam War after both were stationed at the same base in Southeast Asia.

She joined Earl in the United States, where they were married in New York and later moved to Southern California. She gave birth to Tiger, born Eldrick Tont Woods, in 1975.

Kultida is preceded in death by Earl, who died in May 2006. The couple were married for 37 years.

Among those expressing their condolences was President Donald Trump.

Writing on Truth Social (and shared on X), Trump said, “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!”

Woods, who now plays a limited schedule on the PGA Tour, is expected to compete next week in the tournament he hosts, the Genesis Invitational, which was moved to Torrey Pines in San Diego due to the wildfires in the Los Angeles area. That tournament starts on Feb. 13.

Eric J. Wallace is deputy sports editor for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at ejwallace@gannett.com.

This story was updated to change a video.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Kultida Woods death: Tiger Woods announces loss of mother