Kultida Woods, the beloved mother of golf legend Tiger Woods, passed away at the age of 80. Born in Thailand, she became a pivotal figure in Tiger's life and career. Kultida's journey with her family began in the 1960s when she worked as a civilian in the U.S. Army's Bangkok office. It was there that she met Earl Woods, whom she married and moved with to the United States in 1968. The couple settled in Cypress, California, where their son Tiger was born in 1975.
Kultida's influence extended beyond her role as a mother; she was Tiger's strongest supporter and often described as "the enforcer" throughout his illustrious career. Her convictions even shaped Tiger's signature tradition of wearing red on Sundays—a practice rooted in her belief that red was his "power color." In Thailand, people often choose colors for each day of the week, and red is associated with Sunday.
Tiger frequently spoke of his mother's profound impact on his life.
"Everyone thought it was my dad when I went 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." – Tiger Woods
Kultida and Earl shared 37 years of marriage until Earl's passing from cancer at 74 in May 2006. Despite the loss, Kultida remained a stabilizing force for Tiger and a cherished grandmother to his children, Sam and Charlie. Her presence was felt not only in family gatherings but also in significant moments of Tiger's career. She stood proudly by the 18th green at Augusta National Golf Club with Tiger's children when he captured his last major championship at the 2019 Masters.
Reflecting on his mother's unwavering support, Tiger expressed deep gratitude.
"She has 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." – Tiger Woods
Kultida was much more than just a golf fan; she was a vibrant spirit with a quick wit that endeared her to many.
"My Mom was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable." – Tiger Woods
Her recent appearance at Tiger's TGL match in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, further demonstrated her enduring enthusiasm and support for her son's endeavors.
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