Tiger Woods grieves deeply for his adored mother, Kultida Woods, whom he hailed as “a force of nature all her own.”
The putting phenom broke the devastating news via social media, confirming her death at age 80.
But who defined this powerhouse who forged Tiger’s destiny and echoed influence far from the greens?
Constant Overseer
Kultida was Tiger’s north star—fiercest cheerleader and architect of the grit powering his iconic run.
From Thailand, she infused Tiger with her iron spirit and roots, crafting his outlook young. Her stamp endured everywhere, not just links.
Caddying for kid Tiger, she’d penalize tantrums with score bumps.
Her yearly gift? Fresh tiger-stripe headcovers, Thai-stitched “Rak jak Mea” (“Love from Mom”)—timeless love token.
Kultida Punsawad met Earl Woods amid his Vietnam Special Forces duty. Love lured her to New York for wedding vows, then Cypress, California base.
Son Eldrick Tont “Tiger” Woods arrived 1975, golf’s future king.
Shuttling to Sessions
Earl sculpted raw talent; Kultida brewed resilience—a failure-proof poise. Hands-on in his starter swings, she ferried him to drills and derbies, hammering endurance.
She hooked 4-year-old Tiger at Long Beach’s Heartwell Course. Relentless road trips blanketed California for junior clashes.
She savored his games, valuing poise over prizes. Fierce competitor Tiger cooled post-play, Golf Digest observed.
Tiger mused on junior days in 2007: “Risking big flops? Home love cushioned it. Rare gift. Hers? Forever. Always my rock.”
Crafting His Vibe
Kultida sparked Sunday reds for luck, People reports.
Buddhist devotee, she wove spirituality via monk trips, balancing him. Jaime Diaz caught her 2009 Thai van essence: “Nightly Buddha pleas: Tiger my son again next life.”
2022 World Golf Hall nod thrilled her—family affair saluting her Earl-tied sole heir (he died 2006, prostate cancer).
Tiger choked up speechward, crediting her gives; eyes met Tida’s, grins speaking volumes.
2024 Heartfelt Shoutout
Bob Jones Award in June 2024? Mom centerpiece, audience-seated.
“Mom underrated,” Tiger voiced. “Dad road-tripped me—true—but Mom anchored home. Lifelong constant.”
Plus: “Humble nod to legends, but for Mommy too. She paved dreams, backed pursuits. No solo act—ultimate pillar: Mom. Thank you, Mommy.”
Post-Scandal Stand
Kultida weathered Tiger’s lows, post-2009 exposures—affairs crashing into Florida wreck. Public mea culpa followed.
She flanked him supportively, demanding reckoning.
Yet sources said scandal shattered her—fuming, pained, betrayed.
Family pal to People: “Outraged at his affairs. How harm family?”
Elin fan and grandkid dotter, she agonized for them. “Crushed her,” per insider. “Kids’ hurt? Unbearable.”
Tiger later: ex Elin Nordegren and mom stung worst.
“Brutal duo,” 2010 words. “My deepest cuts.”
Mom’s Lifeline Amid Mayhem
Confessing gutted him family-front: “Tightest ties—truth-telling? Agony.”
Her lessons pulled him through; entitlement veered from upbringing.
“Core values lost, Buddhism ditched, meditation dropped—Mom-Dad basics abandoned.”
Kultida’s hand in Tiger’s saga? Pivotal—unyielding love often unsung.
She’ll oversee eternally now, love’s echo lingering.
Tiger’s post: “Mom: singular force, spirit fierce. Needle-sharp, laugh-ready.”
Continued: “Top fan, vital prop—achievements? Her alone impossible. Cherished widely, grandkids Sam, Charlie most. Thanks for prayers, space in our sorrow.”
