‘She was my rock’ – Tiger Woods pays emotional tribute to late mum Kultilda in first live TV appearance since she died
TIGER WOODS has opened up on the tragic death of his mother for the first time.
The fifteen-time Major champion described mum Kutilda as his “rock” in an emotional interview on Sunday.
Woods wasn’t in action during this weekend’s Genesis Invitational in California.
He pulled out of the event early last week after Kutilda’s passing at the age of 81.
Woods claimed was “not ready” to return to action so soon after her death.
In a statement released on social media, Wood said: “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.”
Despite his absence on the course, Woods joined legendary commentator Jim Nantz in the CBS booth to discuss Kutilda’s impact on his career.
He said: “It’s been a tough process to go through but I’ve had amazing family support.
“All the players have reached out that were playing here this week.
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“The amount of texts and emails and nice messages of support I got has really helped. It’s really meant a lot to me.
“She meant everything to me and losing her has been a very hard and difficult process to go through.”
Speaking about Kutilda’s proud work ethic, he added: “If I didn’t get any homework done, I wasn’t allowed to play.
“School came first before any sport I was playing.”
Kultida was originally from Thailand and met Woods’ late father Earl, a US Army officer, in 1968.
She was a regular at Woods’ tournaments and was most recently at his TGL clash in Florida last month.
Woods paid tribute to her in June last year when he received the Bob Jones Award for his contribution to golf.
The legendary player said: “My mom doesn’t get enough credit.
“Everyone thought that 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.
“This award, I accept it in humbleness and just unbelievable regard for the past recipients but I also accept it for my mom too.”