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Tiger Woods has announced the death of his mother, Kultida Woods, at the age of 78.

Just last week, Kultida accompanied her son to participate in the TGL tournament held in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The proud mother always defined herself as Tiger’s “biggest fan”.“My mother was a force of nature in her own right, her spirit was simply undeniable,” Woods’ heartfelt message reads

She was quick with the needle and laughed. She was my biggest fan, my biggest supporter, without her none of my personal achievements would have been possible

“She was loved by 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. I love you, mom,” he added

JUST IN: Tiger Woods takes refuge in children Charlie and Sam and ex Elin Nordegren in the face of unfortunate family tragedy

Tiger Woods’ mother’s influence on his golf career

Tiger Woods announces death of his mom Kultida: 'My biggest fan' | FOX 5  Atlanta

While Earl Woods was considered to be the forger of Tiger’s talent during his childhood and to strengthen his competitive spirit that allowed him to become one of the best golfers in history, Tiger actually pointed to his mother as “the enforcer” of this work throughout his career.

Tiger has said on several occasions that he used to dress in red on Sundays under the influence of his mother, who told him that it was his “power color”, as a tradition inherited from her native Thailand, a country where people choose the colors they will wear throughout the week and the color for Sunday is red.

“It all started with mom,” Woods said during the presentation of his Sun Day Red clothing line in February last year: “Mom thought that being a Capricorn, my power color was red, so I wore red when I was a junior golfer and won some tournaments.”

I go to a university that is red, Stanford is red. We wore red on the last day of each of the tournaments, and then in all the tournaments I’ve played as a professional I’ve worn red. It has become synonymous with me

Kultida Woods was born in Thailand and worked in the US Army office in Bangkok in the 1960s when she met Earl Woods, a US Army Special Forces soldier. She moved with him to the United States in 1968. They married in New York and moved to Cypress, California, where Tiger was born in 1975.

Kultida and Earl Woods were married for 37 years until he died of cancer in May 2006 at the age of 74.

However, throughout his career, Tiger has always appreciated his mother’s influence in his life. Last year, when he received the Bob Jones Award, the highest honor given by the United States Golf Association, Tiger thanked his mother for being a force of stability in their home.

I accept it with humility and incredible respect for the previous winners, but I also accept it for my mom. She has allowed me to get here. She allowed me to do these things, to pursue my dreams and the support and love; I didn’t do this alone. I had the greatest support any kid could have: my mom. Thank you, mom

Tiger Woods

Kultida Woods was very close to the 18th green at Augusta National Golf Club with her grandchildren, Sam and Charlie, when Tiger won the last major championship of his career, the 2019 Masters

“My mom doesn’t get enough credit,” Woods said in 2024. “Everyone thought it was my dad when I went on tour, which it was, but mom was at home. Mom has been there all my life. She’s always been there through thick and thin.

Tiger Woods shared heartbreaking news on social media, announcing the passing of his beloved mother, Kultida Woods, at the age of 78.

The legendary golfer released a heartfelt statement on behalf of his family, including his children, Sam and Charlie whom he shares with his ex-wife Elin Nordegren.

“It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning,” Woods wrote. “My Mom was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable.”

Tiger Woods announces his mother, Kultida Woods, has died

READ: Rory McIlroy makes surprise LIV Golf remark after Pebble Beach win for 27th PGA Tour title

He went on to express the deep impact she had on his life, acknowledging her unwavering support throughout his career.

“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.”

In his statement, Woods also emphasized how much his mother adored her grandchildren, Sam and Charlie.

“She was loved by so many, but especially by her two grandchildren. Thank you all for your support, prayers, and privacy at this difficult time for me and my family,” he noted.

Accompanying his tribute, Tiger shared a cherished photograph of Kultida, reflecting on the profound bond they shared. As the only child of Earl and Kultida Woods, Tiger often spoke of his mother’s influence in shaping his career, her strength, and her unwavering dedication to his success.

Though she preferred to stay out of the limelight, Kultida was frequently seen supporting Tiger at major golf events.

Kultida Woods played an essential role in her son’s journey, helping guide his development both as a golfer and a person.

When he received the prestigious Bob Jones Award in 2024, the highest honor in American golf, Tiger took the moment to express his deep gratitude for his mother, who was present at the event alongside his children.

“My mom doesn’t get enough credit,” he said in his speech. “Everyone thought that it was my dad who took me on the road, and he did. But Mom was at home. If you don’t know, Mom has been there my entire life.

“Now imagine if I had lost the damn thing, right?” he joked, before reflecting on the emotional moment. “When I made that winning putt, who was the first person I hugged? Right, Mommy? It was you.

“I didn’t do this alone. I had the greatest rock that any child could possibly have: my mom. Thank you, Mommy.”

Rory McIlroy has conceded he may have been tempted as a young golfer to sign up for LIV Golf if the Saudi-backed tour was in place back in 2007.

The Northern Irishman recorded his 27th win on the PGA Tour at the weekend, moving him ahead of Henry Picard to 22nd on the all-time list.

At 35 years of age, McIlroy remains one of the biggest talents in all of golf and is likely to add plenty more titles to his CV.

Rory McIlroy won at Pebble Beach this weekend

READ: Tiger Woods comment speaks volumes as Rory McIlroy makes Scottie Scheffler claim

His chances in recent years have been helped even further by the exodus of top talents on the PGA Tour to LIV Golf.

Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka have all jumped ship to receive huge sums of money from LIV.

But the breakaway league has not only been targeting established elite pros as they’ve also been snapping up some of the game’s best young talents.

Tom McKibbin, dubbed the ‘next McIlroy’, has turned his back on the traditional route to the PGA by signing up for LIV.

McIlroy has admitted he too would have struggled to turn down the financial rewards of joining LIV as a young golfer.

However, the four-time major champion still believes the legacy and history of the PGA Tour trumps everything else.

“I’m so glad that LIV wasn’t around when I was that age,” McIlroy said.

“Because to me, all I want to do was get into the top 50 in the world, play the majors, like, try to become one of the best players in the world.

“I didn’t care how much money I had at that point, and I was just getting starts on the PGA Tour and the European tour, and that was enough for me.”

LIV Golf events have still not been granted world ranking points, meaning players must meet the criteria elsewhere to qualify for the majors.

The bigger names such as Rahm, DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson and Koepka have certain exemptions due to their previous successes at majors.

Reaching the top 50 in the world rankings is the main way non-major winners can qualify for major championships.

McKibbin will now face a more difficult task in doing that, meaning he will have to play in a number of DP World Tour events to jump up the rankings.

McIlroy admitted he tried to push his prodigy in a different direction due to what the 22-year-old would be giving up by snubbing the PGA Tour.

“I think he’s got a ton of potential,” McIlroy said.

“I said to him, if I were in your shoes, I would make a different choice than the one you’re thinking of making.

“Working so hard to get your tour card in the States, something that he did, to achieve that goal last year was a big achievement.

“I think what he potentially is sacrificing and giving up with access to majors, potential Ryder Cup spot, if I were in his position and I had his potential, which I think I have been before, I wouldn’t make that decision.”

Rory McIlroy has drawn parallels between Scottie Scheffler and golfing legend Tiger Woods, praising the pair’s consistency by saying they “just don’t make mistakes”.

Scheffler recently missed out on The Sentry at Kapalua and the American Express tournament due to a hand injury caused by a broken wine glass stem while preparing dinner.

According to FOX Sports, the 28-year-old was rolling out pasta for homemade ravioli when the accident occurred. Scheffler said: “I had my hand on top and it broke. I’ve heard nothing but horror stories since this happened about wine glasses, so be careful… It broke and the stem kind of got me in the hand. I can’t live in a bubble, like I’ve got to live my life and accidents happen.”

Rory's drought, Tiger's health and Scheffler's dominance – US PGA talking  points | The Independent

READ:Rory McIlroy Exposes Tiger Woods Weakness in Playful Jab at TGL 

“It could have been a lot worse. I actually talked to somebody who did the exact same thing and the stem went straight through their hand. It’s one of those deals where immediately after it happened I was mad at myself because I was like, ‘gosh, that’s so stupid.’ But you just don’t think about it when you’re in the moment.”

Despite his temporary absence from the sport, McIlroy has praised Scheffler’s impressive performance over the past year, even likening him to the golfing icon that is Tiger Woods. The Northern Irish athlete said: “I’ve never – this is anyone, this is Tiger, this is in the history of golf – I don’t think I’ve ever seen a golfer play as many bogey-free rounds as Scottie.

“He just doesn’t make mistakes. He plays the right shot at the right time over and over and over again.”

Scheffler has enjoyed a very successful year, winning nine titles, including the prestigious Masters, an Olympic gold medal, and the coveted FedEx Cup. Even after a minor mishap involving a wine glass, it seems nothing can stall the American’s momentum.

Rory McIlroy joined in with his thoughts on what came to be known as the ravioli incident, as he added: “I think he made enough money to hire a chef. It’s like, ‘why are cooking yourself?'”

In response to McIlroy’s humorous jab, Scheffler quipped back, referencing his wife as he said: “I’ve got a chef. Her name’s Meredith. She’s pretty cute.”

Already looking ahead, the Master’s champion is set to begin his 2025 campaign at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, where a monumental $20million competition purse awaits.

Jay Monahan & the PGA Tour officials have been experimenting a lot with the league lately.

Facing tough competition from LIV Golf and the DP World Tour, the PGA Tour has taken drastic steps to ensure they are offering an exciting product to the fans. However, their judgment about the demands of the masses has often faltered as the community has constantly criticized every change they have introduced.

The new policy proposed for 2026 to improve the pace of play received much backlash. Fans are not pleased with the PGA Tour limiting the field size to improve the pace of play. Instead, they have suggested that slow players should be penalized for going over the clock. More recently, it seemed that Jay Monahan and his team had finally learned from the feedback. Reports suggest that they were considering using rangefinders to improve the pace of play were well received. But it seems that it didn’t take them to get back to their old ways and upset the community again.

PGA Tour says commissioner Jay Monahan is recuperating from a medical  situation | CNN

READ: Rory McIlroy Exposes Tiger Woods’ Weakness in Playful Jab at TGL

As Monday Q Info shared on its X account, the PGA Tour has changed a major aspect to provide better opportunities to amateur golfers. The tweet included an image with the text, “The WM Phoenix Qualifier will be held on Monday, February 3. This will be the FINAL for the WM Phoenix Open. The PGA Tour will be ending Open Qualifying starting in 2026”. This confirms that there won’t be any pre-tournament qualifiers for the PGA Tour from 2026.

Speaking about the tradition of the qualifiers, the post also said“Open Qualifying has been a tradition for the Phoenix Open since 1948.” This means that the WM Phoenix Open Qualifiers will be discontinued after 77 years.

The drastic change in the tradition has further fueled the frustration of the fans. Let’s see what they had to say.

With another decades-old practice set to be discontinued in 2026, fans were bound to show their displeasure towards it. One of the fans stated their frustrations towards Jay Monahan & co. as they said “@PGATOUR Shame on the Tour!!!!!” They seem to suggest that the PGA Tour should be embarrassed to break the tradition. Another commented Is this about “history” or “tradition?” Ask Jay when you see him.” They seem to question Jay Monahan’s intent behind taking such a drastic step.

A follower also stated, “It’s such a shame. What a shortsighted move by the PGAT.” They believe that the Tour will regret their decision in the future. The board replacing Jay Monahan & co. might face issues of not having a circulation of good players if they make this permanent. Another Tweet said, “So dumb. The ridiculous decisions continue. SMH”. They seem infuriated with the frequent bad changes implemented by the PGA Tour.

Then there was one user who shared, “The @pgatour is intent on self destruction as a spectator sport. Interest is already waning. @PGATOURComms”. Their frame of thought is quite accurate considering the major drop in viewership the Tour has experienced recently. If the wayward decision-making and bad play continue, the PGA Tour will lose its value in professional golf.

Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods recently faced off in a match within the TGL, an indoor golf league merging traditional play with modern technology, co-founded by Woods and McIlroy alongside the PGA Tour.

The two competed at the SoFi Center, with Woods leading his team, Jupiter Links GC, against McIlroy’s Boston Common Golf.

Despite McIlroy’s playful earlier jab about Woods’ age possibly affecting his vision, Jupiter Links clinched a narrow victory, finishing the match with a score of 4-3. The result hinged on a chip by Kevin Kisner, which left Boston’s Adam Scott without the chance to equalize.

Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy find formula for success on TGL's best night

READ: Tiger Woods vs Rory McIlroy: The Ultimate Golf Showdown is Almost Here

The event wasn’t short on excitement, with both personalities brilliantly on show.

“That was awesome. That was so cool,” McIlroy said following the fun, with the camaraderie between the two evident via Palm Beach Post.

Reflecting on the day’s contest, McIlroy had a bit of fun at Woods’ expense, jesting that the legendary golfer’s vision wasn’t what it used to be.

“He’s getting a little older. His eyes might have been going. He struggles in this light. I thought it was a good opportunity if he missed to get two points,” he quipped. However, McIlroy didn’t shy away from admitting to Woods’ impressive performance.

“He stepped up and delivered like he usually does. … He was feeling it out there, and it was really cool to see.”

Woods, while entertaining the audience with a bit of banter himself by waving a yellow flag known as “The Hammer,” had his fair share of challenging moments, including when he left a ball trapped in a bunker. This mishap allowed Boston to take a brief advantage. On top of this, Woods made history by receiving the first-ever shot-clock violation in the TGL format.

“I was dropping my heart rate down like I normally would. It just took too long,” he admitted.

Despite the strong competitive nature of both golfers, Woods had a lot of fun with his fellow athlete.

“I’ve played plenty against him in stroke play,” Woods said about McIlroy. “But this is different. This is a totally different animal and a different beast. It’s more for entertaining. It’s more for the growth of the game.

“The fact that the two owners came together tonight and put on a show like this, it was a very important night.”

McIlroy also showed profound admiration for Woods’ influence throughout the sport, admitting that their events together have often felt like dream encounters for him.

“They always say never meet your heroes but with Tiger that couldn’t be further from the truth,” he mused. “I don’t think anyone can underestimate the impact that he’s had on our game and the impact that he’s had on all of us as professional golfers. Would TGL exist if Tiger wasn’t around for 20 years? Probably not.”

As for the TGL format itself, this indoor league marks a transformative step for golf by meshing traditional play with modern tech. With its unique tournament design, the league uses custom features like a 64 x 53 foot simulator screen and ‘GreenZone’ playing areas, immersing players and fans in a next-level golfing experience.

Team matches consist of two parts: a cooperative ‘Triples’ format with three players, and a competitive ‘Singles’ format for head-to-head competition. The introduction of rules like the 40-second shot clock adds an interesting extra layer to the game.

In a highly anticipated matchup, golf legends Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy will face off in the TMRW Golf League (TGL) on Monday night, as they represent their respective teams in this groundbreaking new format.

The showdown will feature McIlroy’s Boston Common Golf taking on Woods’ Jupiter Links Golf at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

The TGL, which launched earlier this month, is a new league aimed at revolutionizing golf, offering a high-tech, fast-paced experience designed to engage a younger, broader audience. The first season of the league began on January 7, with The Bay Golf Club defeating New York Golf Club in an exciting inaugural event.

WOODS AND MCLLROY

READ: Tiger Woods has already set his retirement date, according to fans

Monday’s matchup between two of the sport’s biggest stars is set to be a major draw. The event promises intense action as Woods and McIlroy, who are also co-founders of TGL, compete against each other in front of what is expected to be a large audience. The TGL has already garnered impressive viewership, with over 900,000 people tuning in for its debut, and the number soared to over a million when Woods’ Jupiter Links team played in their first match.

Both Woods and McIlroy will be playing for their teams, with McIlroy joined by American Keegan Bradley and Australian Adam Scott for Boston Common Golf. They will take on Woods, who is supported by American Kevin Kisner and South Korean Tom Kim for Jupiter Links.

Each of the six teams in the TGL consists of four players, but only three can compete at any given time, adding an exciting dynamic to the competition. The stakes are high, with a $21 million prize pool, $9 million of which will go to the winning team.

As the sport evolves, McIlroy is optimistic about the future of TGL, calling it a “radical new version of golf” that will bring the game into the 21st century. With Woods and McIlroy both in action, Monday’s match is expected to be a spectacle of talent, strategy, and competition that will not only captivate golf fans but also further elevate the profile of TGL.

The golf world is buzzing with excitement as the R&A officially announces that the 2027 Open Championship will be held at the iconic Old Course at St Andrews from July 15-18.

This will mark the 31st time the historic course has hosted the prestigious tournament, further cementing its reputation as one of golf’s most legendary venues. Known for its rich history and breathtaking landscapes, St Andrews has been the stage for unforgettable moments, including Bobby Jones’s 1927 triumph and Cameron Smith’s thrilling win in 2022.

As anticipation builds, golf enthusiasts are reflecting on the Old Course’s evolution over the years. While updates like new tee boxes and bunkers have modernized the course, it remains a true test of skill, demanding precision, strategy, and mental toughness. Fans worldwide are already counting down the days until the world’s top golfers compete for the coveted Claret Jug.

St. Andrews Sets Up Splendidly for Tiger Woods' Return to Major  Championship Golf - Sports Illustrated

READ: Greg Norman issues daring LIV Golf request to Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy

Among the chatter surrounding the 2027 Open is a significant prediction that has fans buzzing: Could this be Tiger Woods’s farewell to competitive golf? Woods, who turns 50 this year, has sparked speculation about his future.

Though he has previously stated he doesn’t plan to retire until 60, fans are wondering if the 2027 Open at St Andrews might be his swan song. “Early prediction: THIS will be Tiger’s final Open Championship,” one fan remarked, while another envisioned, “Picture this: The year is 2027 and a teary-eyed Tiger Woods is wearing Sunday Red for the final time at St Andrews.”

The reasoning behind these predictions lies in timing and circumstance. By 2027, Woods will be 51 years old. With the next Open at St Andrews not scheduled until 2032-when Woods would be 56-many believe this could be his last chance to compete at this iconic venue.

Additionally, his recent physical challenges, including a microdiscectomy in 2024, have raised questions about his ability to endure the physical demands of competitive play. One fan poignantly noted, “Tiger gets St. Andrews one last time,” reflecting the emotional weight of such a possibility.

Meanwhile, Woods’s potential transition to the senior circuit is also generating buzz. Players like Padraig Harrington have admitted they’re preparing for his arrival, underscoring his enduring influence on the sport. Whether or not 2027 marks Woods’s farewell, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on St Andrews as it once again becomes the epicenter of golf history.

The 23-time grand slam winner may be a legend in the tennis world but it seems she’s got some convincing to do when it comes to golf. 

Williams’ presence at SoFI Stadium is actually down to part-owning the ‘Los Angeles Golf Club’ team alongside sister Venus and husband Alexis Ohanian.

The team comprises Collin Morikawa, Justin Rose, Sahith Theegala, and Tommy Fleetwood. Although only the aforementioned first three were in action on Monday night with Fleetwood competing in the Dubai Desert Classic.

Serena Williams

JUST IN: Greg Norman issues daring LIV Golf request to Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy

Williams was alongside Ohanian watching in the stands before joining the commentary booth for an interview and to color commentate for a few holes. But her presence didn’t go down well. At one point in the broadcast, cameras showed Williams looking confused before joining in clapping.

During her interview, Williams appeared to openly admit that watching golf made her miss tennis even more. Asked to reflect on tennis with the Australian Open currently taking place, she said: “I’m obsessed with the sport. I didn’t realize until I was sat here watching golf.”

The public opinion from ESPN viewers soon came flooding in. One posted on X: “Serena Williams knows next to nothing about golf.” Another added: “Serena Williams has absolutely no idea what’s going on and I love it.”

TGL presented by SoFi: LA v JUP

Another posted on X: “This Serena Williams interview might have just killed TLG before it even took two steps.” A different viewer simply said: “Serena Williams has no idea what’s going on.”

In agreement, this X user said: “Serena Williams has no clue what is happening.” And they weren’t alone, another added: “Serena Williams looks awfully confused.”

Finally, on a more polite note, this user said: “God bless her for being there but Serena Williams has absolutely no idea what’s going on TGL.”

Speaking about her involvement in TGL, Williams said: “It’s so exciting to be here as a team owner and just get a different look at things.”

“It’s so wild. It’s something that you see a little bit in tennis, and we see it all the time in basketball, right? But we don’t really see it so much in golf. Actually we never see that in golf, right?

“So it’s just so good to kind of see their personalities and just see them shine as golfers as they are, because they’re usually so focused, so serious and so ready. So it’s so cool to see a new aspect.”

Discussing the format of the competition, she said: “I love this format. I think it’s so cool. It’s such a good way to engage the fans.”

Outgoing LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman has called out Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, urging them to acknowledge the benefits they’ve reaped from the emergence of the controversial golf league.

Despite being vocal critics of LIV and showing loyalty to the PGA Tour, Norman believes both golf icons have profited from the competition LIV has introduced. Norman has stepped down from his role to be replaced by Scott O’Neil, an experienced sports and entertainment executive. Norman is expected to continue working for LIV in some capacity.

“I would love them to recognise the fact that – like Tiger with his PIP money (Player Impact Program) – that only came because of LIV, right?” Norman told Australian Golf Digest. “So Tiger benefitted from that. Rory’s definitely benefitted from that.

Greg Norman pays 'zero attention' to Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods and  insists he's staying as LIV CEO | Golf News | Sky Sports

READ: ‘Word Got Out’: Charlie Woods Impact Laid Bare as His Frantic Search for a Breakthrough Continues

“I would love to sit down and talk to them about it, no question about it. Because I’m not a judgmental person and you only learn the facts and truth when you hear the other side of it.

“But, yes, would I like to sit down with them? Sure, absolutely. And you know what? I’d win the debate.”

The relationship between Norman and McIlroy has been marked by public sparring over LIV, with McIlroy recently endorsing Norman’s departure as a positive step for the league. This comes after Norman had accused McIlroy of being “brainwashed” by the PGA Tour.

Discussions regarding a merger between the PGA Tour and LIV’s backers – Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund – are still happening, but Norman has stepped away from the negotiating table. Meanwhile, Woods and McIlroy have launched their new TGL league, blending traditional golf with simulated indoor play.

The league which saw Woods play and will see McIlroy’s debut next Monday amid other renowned players, hasn’t captured Norman’s attention. “No, I haven’t watched a bit of it because there’s a couple of players who’ve been very vocal against me,” Norman added.

“So I’m not going to say anything positive or negative about it. All I can say is: The more golf gets exposure in different ways, the better off it is.

“Simulator golf is simulator golf. We had Putt-Putt and all those miniature golf courses we built around the world. I think innovation is a wonderful thing, I’m not going to belittle that. I wish them all the very best and success because it’s the market, right? They’re going to be pulling people into the game of golf.”

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