Tiger Woods has withdrawn from the Genesis Invitational as he continues to mourn the death of his mother. The golf icon announced last week that his mum, Kultida Woods, had died at the age of 80.
Woods had been scheduled to play at the event but has revealed that he needs more time to deal with the grief. The 15-time Major champion revealed that Kultida would have wanted her son to continue playing despite her passing, and he therefore prepared to play in the tournament.
He subsequently realised that he needed to withdraw.
“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,” Woods said in a statement on his social media channels.
“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.”
Woods announced his mother’s death last week. He did not reveal her cause of death. She attended his TGL match in Florida in Florida a fortnight ago.
“It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning,” Woods wrote on Instagram.
“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.”
It comes after Donald Trump revealed that Woods was still “very sad” over his mother’s death. The duo played golf together before Sunday’s Super Bowl.
President Trump said after their meeting: “He was great. He’s a great guy. He’s very sad over his Mother’s passing. He’s a great guy.”
Woods has not played competitively since the 2024 Open Championship. He failed to make the cut in that event.
