Tiger Woods withdraws from Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines after death of mother

Following the death of his mother Kultida, Tiger Woods has withdrawn from the upcoming Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines.

“I planned to tee it up this week, but I’m just not ready,” Woods wrote, via a statement shared to social media on Monday. “I did my best to prepare, knowing it’s what my Mom would have wanted, but I’m still processing her loss.

“Thanks to everyone who has reached out. I hope to be at Torrey later in the week and appreciate the continued kindness since my Mom’s passing.”

I planned to tee it up this week, but I’m just not ready. I did my best to prepare, knowing it’s what my Mom would have wanted, but I’m still processing her loss.

Thanks to everyone who has reached out. I hope to be at Torrey later in the week and appreciate the continued… pic.twitter.com/HP45Tla3QQ

— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) February 10, 2025

Woods originally announced the saddening news on Feb. 4. He shared the news of his mother’s passing in a post on social media, alongside a picture of her. It’s evident the development has taken a major toll on the iconic golfer.

“It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning,” Woods wrote, regarding his mother’s passing. “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 met Tiger’s father, Earl, in the 1960s during the Vietnam War. At the time, he was deployed to a base in Thailand, where Kultida was working as a secretary at the time. She would then follow Woods back to the United States, where the pair began their family. They settled down in Cypress, California. Prior to that, she had never traveled outside of Thailand. 

In 1975, Tiger Woods would be the first-born child of the couple, and growing up he recognized his mother as the stricter of the two parents.

“My dad may have been in the Special Forces,” Woods told USA Today in 2017. “But I was never afraid of him. My mom’s still here and I’m still deathly afraid of her. She’s a very tough, tough old lady, very demanding. … I love her so much, but she was tough.”

Despite that, Tiger Woods quickly showed promise as a golfer. With that, his mother has always been incredibly supportive. Throughout her life, she was often seen on the course, following Tiger and supporting him. She was also on hand for his World Golf Hall of Fame induction. 

With the immense pressure on Tiger Woods ahead of the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines, it isn’t difficult to see why he’d like to take some time with the passing of his biggest supporter coming so close to the event. Kultida continues to be mourned and remembered by the entire golf community.

— On3’s Dan Morrison contributed to this article.