Tiger Woods opened up on the close bond his children Charlie and Sam shared with their grandmother Kutilda following her passing on Wednesday.
Woods announced the death of his mother in a statement to his social media followers, and in doing so revealed the love she shared in both his life and that of his children. “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. 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.
READ: Kultida Woods cause of death: Tiger Woods mourns the loss of his 78-year-old mother
“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.”
Woods was seen in public with his late mom just last week after she was seen in the crowd of the 82-time PGA Tour winner’s TGL victory for Jupiter Links over Boston Common, as was his son Charlie. Kutilda’s was announced just hours before the latest TGL match between Boston and Los Angeles got underway at the SoFi Center.
Following the news both teams showed their respects by holding a minute silence before the start of play in the SoFi Center. The 15-time major champion’s TGL co-founder and rival Rory McIlroy paid tribute to Kutilda, also known as Tilda, on the back of the match in Florida.
“Yeah, obviously very sad, sort of surreal. She was here last Monday night. Yeah, it seemed sudden,” McIlroy said. “I got to know Tita a little bit. She was always very warm, very courteous, and generous with her time. Yeah, it was always a delight to see her at tournaments.
“As time went on, you sort of saw her less and less, and you’d bump into her in player dining and it was always nice to see her. She always had a big smile. Yeah, you obviously feel for Tiger and Sam, and Charlie and wish them all the best. Yeah, it’s a sad day.”
Tilda had played an important role in the phenomenal career of her son, drawing a tribute from the PGA Tour and commissioner Jay Monahan. “The PGA Tour family is saddened by the passing of Kultida Woods,” Monahan said in a statement.
“Those of us who have been lucky enough to have a firsthand view of Tiger Woods’ career know how much both his greatness and his humanity have stemmed from the love and support of his mother. We will cherish our memories of her and our thoughts are with Tiger, his children Sam and Charlie, and their entire family as they mourn her loss.”