Tiger Woods has announced that his mother, Kultida, has passed away. She was 78.
Woods shared the news on social media with a lengthy message.
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning,” he wrote. “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,” Woods added. “Thank you all for your support, prayers and privacy at this difficult time for me and my family. Love you Mom.”
Kutilda had a huge impact on Woods’ career. Last year during his acceptance speechfor the USGA’s Bob Jones Award, the golf legend expressed how much she shaped his career. “My mom doesn’t get enough credit,” he said. “Everyone thought 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’s always been there through thick and thin.”
Woods continued on, explaining that his mother was the parental figure who took him to all of his junior tournaments and gave him the ruthlessness that he’s known for. At many of the biggest fairway moments of his career, Kultida was there watching him.
“She has allowed me to get here,” Woods explained. “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.”
Kultida’s cause of death is not yet known.