Tiger Woods has announced the death of his mother, Kultida Woods, in a tribute on social media.
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning,” Woods posted on Instagram on Tuesday. “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.”
Woods did not reveal the cause of death of his mother, who last week attended her son's TGL match in Florida.
Known as Tida, Woods’ mother was from Thailand and met his father, Earl Woods, while he was on a military tour in the country in 1968. They settled in Orange County, California, where Earl taught Tiger to play golf from 18 months old.
Through Woods’ glittering career on the course, in which he won 15 major titles, bettered only by Jack Nicklaus’s tally of 18, his mother was often greenside to support her son, and would be the first to embrace him after victory. She was also by his side during hard times, and was present when he gave a televised statement apologising for infidelity against wife Elin Nordegren in 2010.
“She was loved by so many, but especially by her two grandchildren, Sam and Charlie,” Woods added. “Thank you all for your support, prayers and privacy at this difficult time for me and my family. Love you Mom.”
