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Tiger Woods of the United States with his son Charlie Woods and daughter Sam Woods prepare to tee off from the second tee during the second round of the PNC Championship at Ritz-Carlton Golf Club on December 22, 2024 in Orlando, Florida.© Getty Images

Tiger Woods leans on kids Sam and Charlie for support as he announces family heartbreak — statement

The golfer shares his two kids with ex-wife Elin Nordegren

Ahad Sanwari
Ahad Sanwari - New York
Senior WriterNew York
6 days ago
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Tiger Woods took to social media to announce the passing of his mother Kultida Woods at the age of 78.

The pro golfer, 49, shared a statement on behalf of his family, including his two children with ex-wife Elin Nordegren, with news of her passing on the morning of Tuesday, February 4.

"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." 

Recommended videoYou may also likeWATCH: Meet Tiger Woods' two talented kids

"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." 

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Tiger also mentioned how close she was to her two grandchildren, his daughter Sam, 17, and his son Charlie, 15. "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," he tenderly concluded, capping off his tribute with a photograph of her. Tiger is the only child of the late U.S. Army infantry officer Earl and Kultida Woods, with the latter affectionately known as "Tida."

Tiger Woods shares a statement regarding the passing of his mother Kultida "Tida" Woods© Instagram
Tiger shared a statement regarding the passing of his mother Kultida "Tida" Woods

The celebrated athlete was extremely close with his mother, who made several appearances with him over the years at various events and tournaments, and was very supportive of his career.

Tiger Woods – five surprising facts

Tiger Woods smiling in a blue jumper with a golf club in hand© Getty Images
Tiger Woods has won 15 major golf championships
  1. Tiger isn't his real name – he was born Eldrick Tont Woods. He was named after the first letter of his dad's name, Earl, and his mother's first initial, Kultida, at the end. Tont is also a traditional Thai name, where his mom is from.
  2. He became known as Tiger after his dad started to use the moniker as his friend, Colonel Vuong Dang Phong – who served in the US Army alongside Earl – also went by 'Tiger'.
  3. Tiger is an avid gamer and is particularly fond of Call of Duty. He also plays basketball and soccer.
  4. He attended Stanford University but left before he graduated to turn pro before the end of his degree.
  5. Tiger was the first athlete to become a billionaire and now has an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion.

Most recently, when he was honored with the Bob Jones Award in 2024, the nation's highest golfing honor, he paid tribute to his mother during the speech, who was in the audience with his children.

Tiger Woods' late mother Kultida "Tida" Woods© Instagram
"My Mom was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable."

"My mom doesn't get enough credit," he said lovingly, speaking to her directly. "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," recalling all of the junior tournaments his mom drove him to.

MORE: Tiger Woods' ex-wife Elin Nordegren is living her dream life 15 years after split

"I look back at the stopwatch that started back in 1990, and especially in '96, because there's no other time that I had ever felt so much pressure to win one event as the last U.S. Amateur that I was ever going to play in, and the reason is Mom never came to any of my Juniors," he continued. 

Professional golfer Tiger Woods (R) is joined by his mother Kultida Woods (2nd L), children Sam Alexis Woods and Charlie Axel Woods and girlfriend Erica Herman during his Medal of Freedom ceremony in the Rose Garden at the White House May 06, 2019 in Washington, DC. President Donald Trump announced he would give the nation’s highest civilian honor to business partner Woods, 43, in honor of his Masters victory last month© Getty Images
Kultida was a doting grandmother to Sam and Charlie as well

"Mom never came to one of my Amateurs. She was wearing her Stanford shirt there at Pumpkin Ridge, and she was there for the first time. Now imagine if I had lost the d--- thing, right? But when I made that winning putt, who was the first person that I hugged? Right, Mommy? It was you."

MORE: Tiger Woods' son Charlie supported by mom Elin Nordegren as he makes biggest move yet following in dad's footsteps

Tiger Woods and his mother Kultida Woods react as they pose for photos prior to his induction at the 2022 World Golf Hall of Fame Induction at the PGA TOUR Global Home on March 09, 2022 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida© Getty Images
She passed away the morning of February 4 at the age of 78

"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."

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