KULTIDA Woods: Behind a legendary career was a supportive mom.
NEW YORK – Kultida Woods, the steadfast mother whose unwavering support helped shape her son, Tiger Woods, into one of golf’s most iconic and successful athletes, passed away on February 4 at the age of 78.
Tiger shared the news of his mother’s death on social media, though he did not provide any details regarding the cause or location of her passing.
He described her as a “force of nature” and credited her as being his greatest supporter, saying, “My mom was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable… She was my biggest fan, greatest supporter. Without her none of my personal achievements would have been possible.”
Kultida Woods was a constant presence in her son’s life, from attending his tournaments to standing by him during challenging times, including the public scandal that briefly took him away from the sport he loved.
Tiger has spoken often about the crucial role his mother played in his career, and in a 2024 speech while accepting the Bob Jones Award from the United States Golf Association, he shared, “I didn’t do this alone. I had the greatest rock that any child could possibly have – my mom.”
Born Kultida Punsawad on September 30, 1946, in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, she met Earl Woods while working as a secretary in Bangkok when he was stationed there on a military assignment. Earl, who passed away in 2006, was the father who inspired Tiger’s relentless drive and work ethic.