Tiger Woods gets emotional while reflecting on first TGL match since mother Kultida's death

For the first time since his mother Kultida’s death, Tiger Woods played competitive golf Tuesday night. He and his Jupiter Links G.C. teammates took on New York G.C. in a TGL Match at the SoFi Center.

Woods last competed at TGL Jan. 27 – Jupiter Links’ first victory. That also turned out to be the final time Kultida Woods saw him play. She passed away Feb. 4.

Tiger Woods was on hand for last week’s Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines, which he hosts, but didn’t play. Tuesday night marked his return to competition, and although he’s still dealing with the loss of his mother, he pointed out the fact Kultida last watched him play at SoFi Center.

“It’s a process,” Woods told Scott Van Pelt ahead of the match. “This was the last time she ever watched me play. It’s a bit emotional, coming in here tonight. Kiz and TK [Kevin Kisner and Tom Kim], they gave me huge hugs and we’re ready to go as a team.”

Kultida Woods was a key figure in Tiger Woods’ rise in the golf world, becoming one of the greatest to ever step to the tee box. She also inspired his traditional Sunday red, which he turned into his own brand Sun Day Red last year.

But when it comes to what he’ll remember his mother saying to him when he stepped onto the course, Woods couldn’t pick one particular moment. Instead, he noted her ability to share what she thought no matter what. At the same time, he’ll always look back on her support along the way.

“She was a hard lady,” Woods said. “Very disciplined, very hard. She was very direct about her feelings, her emotions. She let you know either way. But she was always so supportive of me going out there and playing. It was incredible.”

TGL honored Kultida Woods at its first event after her passing, holding a moment of silence. Officials at the Genesis Invitational then put a white flag on the pin at the seventh hole for the tournament at Torrey Pines, a color culturally significant to her Buddhism. Golfers also wore a red pin, which Jupiter Links also donned during Tuesday’s TGL match.

“I’ve had amazing family support. All the players have reached out that were playing here this week,” Woods said on the CBS broadcast during the tournament. “The amount of texts and emails and nice messages of support I got has really helped and has really meant a lot to me.”