Tiger Woods has announced that his mother Kultida has died. She was 78.

The legendary golfer, who has won 15 major championships, shared a very strong bond with his mother. She witnessed his rise to the top of the sport and supported him unwaveringly through the challenges he faced following the 2009 sex scandal.

Woods, 49, did not reveal the cause of death. But she was at his recent TGL match in Florida on January 14.

Woods said in a statement: ‘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. 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.’

Tiger Woods has announced the death of his mother Kultida at the age of 78

Kultida pictured with Woods after his first press conference following the 2009 sex scandal

In June 2024, speaking upon receiving the Bob Jones award – one of the most prestigious individual honors in golf – Woods paid an emotional tribute to his mother.

‘My mom doesn’t get enough credit,’ he said, with her in the audience. ‘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.

‘This award, I accept it in humbleness and just unbelievable regard for the past recipients, but I also accept it for my mommy, too. 

‘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.’ 

As well as being there to witness her son’s all-conquering career in golf, she was also there during his downfall, too.

After his string of infidelities on his then-wife Elin Nordegren had been exposed, culminating in a car crash at his Florida home in the early hours of the morning, Woods resurfaced three months later at a press conference where he apologized for his affairs. 

His mom was one of the few people sat in the room with him that day.

Woods said that despite her public support, she made sure he faced the consequences of his actions alongside Nordegren.

Woods poses with his mother after winning the US Open in 2000 at Pebble Beach 

Woods received the Presidential Medal of Freedom with his mom in 2019 from Donald Trump

‘They both have been brutal. They’ve both been very tough,’ he said. ‘Because I hurt them the most. 

‘Those are the two people in my life who I’m closest to and to say the things that I’ve done, truthfully to them, is honestly was very painful.’

Speaking specifically of his mother’s influence, he added: ‘I had gotten away from my core values as I said earlier. I’d gotten away from my Buddhism. And I quit meditating. 

‘I quit doing all the things that my Mom and Dad had taught me. And as I said earlier in my statement, I felt entitled, and that is not how I was raised.’

President Trump immediately offered his condolences to Woods, posting on Truth Social: ‘I was just informed that Tiger Woods’ wonderful Mother, Kultida, passed away — She has gone onto greener fairways! 

‘Kultida Woods was an amazing influence on Tiger, and gave him much of his strength and brilliance. Melania and I send our love and prayers to Tiger and his incredible family!’ 

Woods received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump in 2019. His mother joined him at the White House for the ceremony.