Tiger Woods is making his return to competitive golf just weeks after the passing of his mother, Kultida Woods, at the age of 81. The 15-time major champion is scheduled to compete in a TGL match on February 18, marking his first professional appearance since his withdrawal from the 2025 Genesis Invitational.
Following his mother’s passing on February 4, Woods took to social media to express his grief and pay tribute to her unwavering support throughout his career.
“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,” Woods wrote on X.
He continued, “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.”
Woods initially planned to compete in the Genesis Invitational on February 16, but ultimately decided to withdraw, citing the emotional toll of his mother’s passing.
“I’m just not ready,” Woods wrote on Instagram ahead of the tournament. “I did my best to prepare, knowing it’s what my Mom would have wanted, but I’m still processing her loss.”
Although he did not compete, Woods attended the Genesis Invitational and spoke about how difficult the grieving process has been.
“It’s been a tough process to go through,” Woods told reporters. “But I’ve had amazing family support, and the amount of texts, emails, and kind messages from players and fans has really meant a lot to me.”
Woods also shared memories of how his mother was deeply involved in his early career:
“Mom would take me to every junior event in Southern California. She would drive out there, keep score, walk every hole, and track every putt, fairway, and green. Losing her has been incredibly difficult.”
In honor of Kultida Woods, the PGA Tour paid tribute during the Genesis Invitational by replacing the seventh hole pin flag with an all-white flag, a nod to her Buddhist faith, where white symbolizes clarity and purity. Additionally, players wore red tribute pins adorned with the Thai symbol for love in her honor.
Now ready to step back into competition, Woods will play for Jupiter Links GC against New York Golf Club in a TGL match on February 18 at SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. This will be his first time back in competition since his mother’s passing.
Notably, Kultida was in the crowd supporting her son the last time his team competed at a TGL match, making this return a deeply personal one for the golf legend.
As Woods prepares to re-enter the world of competitive golf, he carries forward his mother’s legacy and the unwavering support she provided throughout his career.