Tiger Woods, the golf legend whose name is synonymous with talent, determination, and triumph, is mourning the loss of the woman who shaped his life from the very beginning:
His mother, Kultida Woods. Known affectionately as “Tida,” Kultida passed away at the age of 80, leaving a profound void in the lives of her family, especially Tiger, who took to social media to share the heartbreaking news.
“My Mom was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable,” Tiger wrote in a heartfelt post. “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.”
But who was Kultida Woods, the extraordinary woman behind the man who became one of the most iconic figures in the history of golf?
To truly understand Tiger’s life and career, it is essential to explore the enduring influence of his mother, the quiet yet powerful force who guided him from childhood to stardom.
A Mother’s Influence: From Thailand to the Heart of California
Kultida Woods was born Kultida Punsawad in Thailand, where she grew up immersed in the traditions and values of her family and culture.
Her upbringing instilled in her a sense of discipline, responsibility, and spiritual grounding—qualities that would later define her approach to raising her son.
Kultida met Earl Woods, a U.S. Army Special Forces officer, during his service in Vietnam. Their connection, built on mutual respect and admiration, blossomed into love, ultimately leading Kultida to move to New York to be with Earl. The couple eventually settled in Cypress, California, where they created a home grounded in family, discipline, and love.
In 1975, their only child, Eldrick Tont Woods, who would later be known to the world as Tiger Woods, was born. From the very beginning, Kultida was deeply involved in shaping Tiger’s life, blending her cultural values with a nurturing approach that balanced love with discipline.
The Early Lessons of Love, Discipline, and Golf
Kultida’s influence on Tiger extended far beyond simple parental support. She was both teacher and mentor, imparting life lessons that would become the foundation for his legendary career.
She accompanied Tiger to golf courses, often keeping a watchful eye on his behavior and teaching him the importance of self-control. If Tiger ever lost his temper on the course, she would add an extra stroke to his score as a gentle but firm reminder of discipline.
Every year, Kultida gifted Tiger a new tiger-striped headcover with the Thai words “Rak jak Mea,” meaning “Love from Mom,” stitched onto the back.
These small yet profound gestures became symbols of her unwavering support and enduring presence in his life, reminding him that no matter the outcome of a tournament, he was loved unconditionally.
Kultida personally drove young Tiger to lessons, tournaments, and practice sessions, often sacrificing her own time and comfort to ensure he could pursue his passion.
She introduced Tiger to golf at the age of four, taking him to Heartwell Golf Course in Long Beach for his first lesson. From that moment, she became his steadfast supporter, providing encouragement and guidance at every step.
Tiger himself reflected on the role his mother played in his early development in a 2007 interview, saying: “I knew that if I went out there and put myself out on the limb and I failed, hey, I had love to come home to.
Not everyone has that. And I know that with her, I always will. She has always, always been there for me.”
It wasn’t just about golf. Kultida instilled in Tiger a calmness and resilience that allowed him to handle pressure, failure, and success with grace.
She taught him that character mattered more than victories and that personal growth and integrity were far more important than trophies or accolades.
The Woman Behind the Iconic Look
Kultida also had a hand in shaping Tiger’s signature appearance on the course. She encouraged him to wear red on Sundays, a color he has famously worn for tournaments throughout his career. The red symbolized strength and confidence, a visual reminder of the values she had instilled in him.
A devoted Buddhist, Kultida nurtured Tiger’s spiritual development. She emphasized mindfulness, meditation, and respect for tradition. Together, they visited monks and temples in Thailand, an annual practice that reinforced Tiger’s understanding of balance, discipline, and humility.
Golf journalist Jaime Diaz recalled a moment in 2009 when he sat next to Kultida in a van traveling through the Thai countryside. He was struck by her heartfelt words: “Every night I pray to the Buddha that in the next life Tiger will be my son again.”
Her devotion extended to every aspect of Tiger’s upbringing, from instilling spiritual values to ensuring he remained grounded despite the extraordinary pressures of professional sports.
Standing Strong Through Triumph and Tragedy
Kultida’s support was unwavering, not just during Tiger’s record-breaking victories but also during some of the most challenging moments of his life. In 2006, Tiger’s father, Earl Woods, passed away from prostate cancer.
The loss devastated Tiger, but Kultida remained a source of strength, helping him navigate grief while maintaining his focus on family and career.
She was present for some of Tiger’s most celebrated achievements, including his induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2022. During the ceremony, Tiger struggled to hold back tears, acknowledging his mother’s sacrifices and the love that had carried him throughout his life.
He locked eyes with Kultida in the audience, and in that brief moment, the depth of their bond was unmistakable—a silent acknowledgment of shared history, love, and devotion.
In 2024, Tiger paid tribute to his mother again while receiving the Bob Jones Award, one of the highest honors in golf. He remarked: “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. 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.”
Through Scandal and Struggle
Kultida Woods also stood by Tiger during some of his darkest public moments. The infamous 2009 scandal, which involved revelations of infidelity and culminated in a car crash outside his Florida home, rocked his personal and professional life.
Tiger publicly apologized for his mistakes, but it was Kultida who remained by his side, providing support while also ensuring he understood the gravity of his actions.
Family friends reported that Kultida was devastated by the scandal. She felt hurt, angry, and disappointed, particularly concerned about the impact on Tiger’s children and ex-wife, Elin Nordegren.
Her love for her grandchildren and her desire to protect them was a constant priority. Tiger has openly acknowledged how much his mother’s guidance helped him navigate the turmoil.
In interviews, he admitted that he had strayed from the principles his parents taught him, neglecting meditation, discipline, and mindfulness. Yet, it was Kultida’s unwavering presence and wisdom that helped him regain perspective and rebuild his life. “I had gotten away from my core values, as I said earlier.
I’d gotten away from my Buddhism. And I quit meditating. And I quit doing all the things that my Mom and Dad had taught me,” Tiger said, reflecting on the lessons learned through adversity.
A Lasting Legacy
Kultida Woods’ impact on Tiger’s life cannot be overstated. She was his mentor, moral compass, spiritual guide, and most importantly, his mother. Her influence shaped him into one of the greatest athletes of all time, but also into a man of character, resilience, and compassion.
Even as she passed away in 2024, her legacy lives on not only through Tiger but through her grandchildren, Sam and Charlie, who remember their grandmother’s warmth, wisdom, and love.
Tiger’s public tributes underscore the depth of that legacy and the central role she played in his life.
In every swing of the club, every tournament, and every moment of triumph or struggle, Kultida’s presence was felt. She taught Tiger that life is about balance, perseverance, and love—and that true support often works quietly in the background, shaping the lives of those we hold dear without seeking recognition. “She was loved by so many,” Tiger wrote in his tribute, “but especially by her two grandchildren. Thank you all for your support, prayers, and privacy at this difficult time for me and my family.”
Conclusion
Kultida Woods’ life was marked by devotion, love, and quiet strength. She was much more than the mother of a golf legend; she was a woman of culture, discipline, and spiritual depth who shaped a family, influenced a son, and left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.
Through every swing Tiger made, every challenge he faced, and every milestone he achieved, Kultida’s influence was present.
Her lessons on patience, resilience, and compassion not only guided Tiger to greatness on the golf course but also taught him the values of humility, integrity, and dedication that define him off it.
As Tiger mourns the loss of his mother, the world is reminded of the extraordinary role that parents play in shaping the lives of their children—not just in their achievements, but in their character, values, and capacity to overcome adversity.
Kultida Woods’ spirit, her love, and her legacy will continue to live on through Tiger, his family, and the countless lives she touched throughout her remarkable life.
