Kultida Woods Death and Obituary – Kultida Woods, the beloved mother of legendary golfer Tiger Woods, passed away on February 4, 2025, at the age of 80. Her death was confirmed by her son, Tiger Woods, through a heartfelt social media post. In his tribute, Tiger described his mother as a “force of nature” and referred to her as his “biggest fan,” emphasizing the profound influence she had on both his career and his personal life.
Kultida Punsawad was born on September 30, 1946, in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. She met Earl Woods, a U.S. Army officer, during his military assignment in Bangkok in the late 1960s. Their relationship blossomed, and they married in 1969. Following their marriage, the couple moved to Cypress, California, where they began building their family. In 1975, they welcomed their son, Eldrick Tont “Tiger” Woods, who would later go on to become one of the most dominant figures in the world of golf.
From the early stages of Tiger’s career, Kultida was an unwavering source of support and encouragement. She was often seen cheering her son on at major golf tournaments, standing by him during both the triumphs and the setbacks. Kultida played a pivotal role in Tiger’s development as a golfer, offering both emotional and practical guidance. One of the most memorable aspects of her influence on Tiger’s professional life was her suggestion to wear a red shirt on the final day of tournaments, a tradition that has become synonymous with Tiger Woods. Kultida believed that red was Tiger’s “power color,” and it quickly became a trademark look during his Sunday rounds.
Beyond her contributions to Tiger’s career, Kultida instilled core values of discipline, respect, and cultural awareness in him. As a proud Thai woman, she passed on her cultural heritage to her son, ensuring that Tiger grew up with a deep respect for his roots and an appreciation for the traditions of both Thailand and the United States. Her teachings went beyond golf, as she encouraged Tiger to always remain humble, compassionate, and grounded in his interactions with others.
Kultida was also involved in numerous charitable endeavors, supporting the Tiger Woods Foundation and advocating for educational initiatives that helped underprivileged children both in the United States and Thailand. Her philanthropic work reflected her deep commitment to helping others and giving back to communities in need.
In the wake of his mother’s passing, Tiger Woods announced that he would be withdrawing from the Genesis Invitational, a tournament he personally hosts. He explained that he was “not ready” to return to the game, as he was still processing the profound loss of his mother. The golfing world has rallied around Tiger in this difficult time, with tributes pouring in from fans, fellow athletes, and officials alike. The organizers of the Genesis Invitational honored Kultida’s Buddhist faith by placing a plain white flag at the seventh hole, a subtle yet meaningful tribute to her memory.
Kultida Woods’ influence extended well beyond the golf course. She was a loving grandmother to Tiger’s two children, Sam and Charlie, who shared a deep bond with their grandmother. Her love and guidance were foundational to Tiger’s success, not only as a golfer but as an individual. As Tiger said in his tribute, Kultida’s spirit was undeniable, and she will always be cherished by those who knew her. Her legacy lives on in her family, and she will be remembered as a source of strength, wisdom, and love.