Tiger Woods Remembers Late Mother Tida: Two Touching Moments That Defined Their Bond

Tiger Woods Remembers Late Mother Tida: Two Touching Moments That Defined Their Bond

By Michael Thompson

February 5, 2025 at 05:04 AM

Tiger Woods' mother, Kultida "Tida" Woods, was a constant presence and driving force throughout his legendary career. Known for her fierce love and dedication, she helped shape Tiger's legendary work ethic and competitive spirit from his earliest days.

From driving him to junior tournaments in their Plymouth Duster to watching him win his historic 2019 Masters, Tida was always there supporting her son. She played many crucial roles - from helping arrange tournament travel when Tiger was young to being "the enforcer" who instilled discipline and determination.

![Tiger Woods with his father Earl and his mother Kultida in 1990.](Getty Images)

Some of her most lasting influences include:

  • Taking young Tiger to practice at Heartwell Golf Park in Long Beach, where she convinced the pro to let him play for free
  • Supporting his early competitive career by taking out a second mortgage when Tiger was 14 to fund his AJGA Tour participation
  • Starting the tradition of Tiger wearing red on Sundays, his "power color"
  • Giving him a new tiger headcover each year with "Rak Jak Mea" (Thai for "Love from Mom") sewn inside
  • Being present at virtually every major moment of his career, including his first and most recent Masters victories

At his 2022 Hall of Fame induction, Tiger became emotional discussing how his parents "gave everything they had" to support his dreams. After his breakthrough success, one of his first priorities was paying off that second mortgage his parents had taken out to fund his junior career.

Even in his recent TGL appearance, Tida was there in the stands, with Tiger acknowledging her with a warm "Hi Mom." As Tiger often said, "She's always there. She's always present in every round I play." Her passing marks the end of an era, but her influence on golf's greatest champion will endure.

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