Tiger honours ‘force of nature’ mum who shaped his red-hot legacy
Tiger Woods hailed his Thai-born mother a “force of nature” in a fitting tribute after announcing her death at the age of 80 late yesterday, adding the famous red shirt he wears at golf tournaments on Sundays was a nod to her Thai belief in red as his power colour.
The golfing legend shared the heartbreaking news late yesterday, sparking an outpouring of condolences from around the globe for the Thai-born matriarch who was integral to Woods’ extraordinary success on the golf course.
Kultida “Tida” Woods passed away yesterday, Tuesday, February 4, but Woods did not disclose the cause of her death or any additional details. She spent her final days in South Florida, where she was spotted at Tiger’s indoor TMRW Golf League match just last week.
In a heartfelt social media post, Woods expressed his profound loss.
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning.
“My mum 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.”
Among the many voices expressing admiration was former President Donald Trump, who took to his Truth Social platform to highlight Kultida’s influence, describing her as “an amazing influence” on Tiger.
Kultida’s journey from Kanchanaburi, in West Thailand, to becoming the mother of one of golf’s greatest icons began when she was working as a civilian secretary in the US Army office in Bangkok.
It was there she met Earl Woods, stationed at the time, and despite knowing minimal English, she married him and embarked on a new life in the United States in 1968. Their path first led to Brooklyn before settling in Cypress, California, where Tiger was born in 1975.
While Earl Woods is widely credited with introducing Tiger to golf, it was Kultida who instilled the discipline and fighting spirit that would go on to define his career.
Last year, during his acceptance of the Bob Jones Award from the USGA, Woods hailed the influence of his parents.
“Everyone thought it was my dad when I went on the road, which it was. But Mum was at home. If you don’t know, Mum has been there my entire life. She’s always been there through thick and thin.”
Kultida was also responsible for the famous red shirt Tiger wears on Sundays, a nod to her Thai belief in red as his power colour.
“Mum thought being a Capricorn that my power colour was red, so I wore red as a junior golfer and I won some tournaments.”
Woods explained during the launch of his ‘Sun Day Red’ brand.
“I go to a university that is red, Stanford is red. We wore red on the final day of every single tournament, and then every single tournament I’ve played as a professional I’ve worn red. It’s just become synonymous with me.”
A beloved tradition saw Kultida gifting Woods a new tiger head cover for his driver each year, embroidered with the affectionate wording, “Love from Mum” in Thai.
Her influence extended far beyond fashion and tradition. She was a constant presence, not just at major championships, but at local tournaments, too, armed only with encouragement, a hot dog, and a quarter for the phone call to fetch him after practice, reported AP.
Masters glory
In 2019, Kultida was present when Woods won his fifth Masters title, a poignant moment shared with his grandchildren at Augusta National. By then, she had moved from Woods’ childhood home to a more modern abode in Orange County and eventually followed him to South Florida following Earl’s death in 2006.
In a 2017 interview with USA Today, Woods quipped about the respect and fear his mother’s formidable nature instilled in him.
“My mum’s still here and I’m still deathly afraid of her. She’s a very tough, tough old lady, very demanding. I love her so much, but she was tough.”
Kultida Woods leaves behind an enduring legacy, her unwavering support, and indelible influence sewn into the fabric of her son’s remarkable life and career.
As Woods continues to honour that legacy, the world’s eyes are on him, no longer just for his prowess on the golf course, but for the personal strength he showed during this solemn time.
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