Kultida Woods is the mother of golf legend Tiger Woods who played an important role in his life. She was a strong woman who shaped his character. She taught him discipline and the value of hard work. It was a huge loss when she passed away on 4 February 2025 at the age of 80.
Her constant support and impact shaped Tiger into the champion he is today. She instilled in him values that extended beyond golf make her an essential part of his journey. She was a pillar of strength in his life and constantly encouraged him to strive for excellence.
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Tiger Woods Mom: Kultida Woods
Tiger Woods has always spoken highly of his mother. He said she did not get enough credit. She encouraged him to wear red on Sundays. This became his signature look.
Tiger said:
My mom was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable
She was his biggest supporter. She always guided him. His father Earl Woods was more public but Kultida stayed in the background. She made sure Tiger remained focused on his goals.
He wrote on social media:
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 taught him that success must be earned. She believed in discipline and hard work and made sure he completed his schoolwork. Kultida always reminded him to stay determined. These values helped him become one of the greatest golfers ever.
Her presence in his life was constant always pushing him forward. Even when faced with challenges she stood by him and reminded him of the values she had instilled in him from childhood.
Early Life Of Kultida Woods
Kultida was Kultida Punsawad before becoming Tiger mother. She was born in Kanchanaburi Thailand in 1944. She was youngest out of the four children.
Her mother taught while her father worked as an architect. She was known for her intelligence. She worked hard to create a better life for herself.
Kultida moved to Bangkok as a young woman. During the Vietnam War, she served as a secretary at a US Army installation. There she got to know Earl Woods a US Army Green Beret. They got married in 1969 and then relocated to US.
They moved to Cypress California after settling in Brooklyn New York. Eldrick Tont Woods is the real name of Tiger Woods. He was born in 1975.
She was serious about training her kid a strong sense of morals and discipline. She adapted to a new nation and culture while balancing the demands of parenthood.
She was serious about training her kid a strong sense of morals and discipline. She adapted to a new nation and culture while balancing the demands of parenthood.
Kultida Woods Private Life
Kultida preferred to stay out of the spotlight. However, she played a big role in Tiger’s life. She drove him to golf tournaments. She made sure he studied hard. She encouraged him to stay focused. She also told him to wear red and believing it was his power color.
Tiger once said:
She instilled in me this work ethic to fight for what I believe in chase after my dreams. Nothing’s ever going to be given to you everything’s going to be earned.
If you don’t go out there and put in the work you don’t go out and put in the effort one, you’re not going to get the results but two and more importantly you don’t deserve it. You need to earn it.
She was there for some of his biggest victories. She watched him win the Masters and the US Open. She was there when he received the Open Championship and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
She also attended his induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Though she did not often speak publicly but her presence was always felt.
She celebrated her son’s achievements with quiet pride, knowing that her sacrifices and lessons had helped him reach the top. Her love and encouragement were unwavering and proving that sometimes the strongest influences work behind the scenes.
Her Contributions Beyond Golf
Kultida was not just Tiger’s mother. She was also active in charity work. She worked with the TGR Foundation which helps children get a good education. She was especially passionate about helping children in Thailand.
She believed in giving back. She wanted children to have better opportunities. Her work in education and social causes showed her strong character. She wanted to help as many people as she could.
Every child in her opinion should have the opportunity for success. She had a significant impact on many people’s lives and made sure they had the means to realize their goals.
Tiger Tribute To His Mother
After Kultida’s passing, Tiger shared an emotional message. He called her his biggest supporter. He said she pushed him to be his best. He remembered her sharp sense of humor and her kindness. Her influence remained with him throughout his life, shaping the man and athlete he became.
Tiger said at the Bob Jones Award ceremony in June 2024:
My Mom doesn’t get enough credit. They all thought that it was me and Dad on the road, which it was, but Mom was at home. If you don’t know, Mom has been there my entire life, she’s always been there through thick and thin.
He also added:
This award, I accept it in humbleness and just unbelievable regard for the past recipients, but I also accept it for my mommy, too. She allowed me to get here. She allowed me to do these things, chase my dreams, and the support and love – I didn’t do this alone. I had the greatest rock that any child could possibly have: my mom. Thank you, Mommy.
Kultida Woods may have stayed in the background but her impact was huge. She was a strong woman who believed in hard work. She shaped Tiger Woods into the champion he became.
Kultida is survived by her son Tiger Woods, and her grandchildren Sam and Charlie. Though she is no longer here but her values and spirit will live on. Her lessons will continue to guide her family and inspire future generations. The love she poured into her son’s life will continue to shine through his accomplishments and his own approach to fatherhood.
Tiger said:
Thank you all for your support, prayers and privacy at this difficult time. Love you, Mom.
