Tiger Woods’ Mother, Kultida, Dead At 78

Tiger Woods‘ mother, Kultida, who the iconic golfer has often lovingly referred to as his “biggest fan,” has died at age 78, per ESPN.  

The 15-time golfing champion took to social media to share the news, typing, “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.”

Kultida Woods was born in Thailand and met her future husband, Earl Woods, while working in the US Army’s Bangkok office as a civilian during the 1960s. They eventually got married and had Tiger in 1975, with the couple staying together until Earl died in 2006 from cancer.

While Earl Woods has been credited with giving Tiger his competitive edge, Kutilda has been instrumental in more ways than one throughout his legendary career. For instance, the Thai-born woman was responsible for Woods’ tradition of wearing red on Sunday as she believed it was his “power color.”

“It started with Mom,” Woods said during his Sun Day Red clothing line launch in February 2024, per PGA Tour. “Mom thought being a Capricorn that my power color was red, so I wore red as a junior golfer, and I won some tournaments… Lo and behold, I go to a university that is red, Stanford is red. We wore red on the final day of every single tournament, and then every single tournament I’ve played as a professional I’ve worn red. It’s just become synonymous with me.”

“My mom doesn’t get enough credit,” Woods 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.”

VIBE sends our condolences to Tiger Woods’ family and friends.