Tiger Woods has announced his return to competitive golf following the passing of his mother, Kultida. The 15-time Major champion had withdrawn from the event at Torrey Pines to grieve, but he now plans to resume play during the upcoming block of TGL matches. His mother, who was 80 years old, passed away on February 4, just over a week after watching him compete in the tech-driven competition he helped launch earlier this year.
On January 27, ahead of the Jupiter Links vs. Boston Common match, Woods shared a lighthearted moment with his mother, joking that he was “not gonna suck tonight,” to which she smiled. He delivered on his promise, helping Jupiter Links secure a 4-3 overtime victory. Now, after taking time to mourn and reflect, the 82-time PGA Tour champion will make his competitive return on February 18 at SoFi Center, where Jupiter Links will face New York Golf Club.
Grieving is a deeply personal and complex process, often marked by waves of emotions ranging from sadness to moments of reflection and gratitude. For Woods, returning to golf may serve as a way to honor his mother’s memory, finding solace in the game they shared for decades.
The upcoming schedule features three matches on Presidents Day, followed by a solo contest in TGL’s usual Tuesday slot. Woods will team up with Kevin Kisner and Tom Kim to compete against Cameron Young, Rickie Fowler, and Matt Fitzpatrick. Initially, Woods was set to play at the Genesis Invitational—a tournament he also hosts—but ultimately withdrew, explaining that he was “just not ready” to compete so soon after his loss.
In a statement, Woods expressed his gratitude for the support he has received, saying, “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. Thanks to everyone who has reached out.” In tribute to Kultida, the Genesis Invitational displayed an all-white pin flag on the seventh hole at Torrey Pines, honoring her Buddhist faith, where white symbolizes purity, wisdom, and longevity.
Woods has not played a PGA Tour event since The Open Championship at Royal Troon in July 2024, where he missed the cut. After undergoing his sixth back surgery, he returned to competition in December, finishing as the runner-up alongside his son, Charlie, at the PNC Championship. Now, as he takes another step forward, fans will watch closely to see how Woods navigates both his personal loss and his return to professional golf.
