The golf world felt a seismic shift as Tiger Woods, one of the sport’s most iconic figures, withdrew from the Genesis Invitational following the devastating loss of his mother, Kultida Woods. The 15-time major champion has made it clear that he will take time to grieve, but when he does return, it will be to compete on the biggest stage alongside the best in the world.
“Mom Was My Rock”: Woods Opens Up About His Heartbreak
For nearly five decades, Kultida Woods was a pillar of strength for her son, guiding him through the highs and lows of his unparalleled career. Now, as he navigates life without her, Woods acknowledges the difficult journey ahead.
“Losing her has been a hard and difficult process to go through. Mom was my rock.”
Woods, 48, had originally intended to compete at the Genesis Invitational, an event that benefits his TGR Foundation, but the weight of his personal loss proved too much. Instead, he stepped away to process the grief, leaving fans wondering when they’ll see him back on the course.
Tiger Woods Sets His Eyes on Golf’s Biggest Tournaments
Despite his emotional turmoil, Woods has reassured fans that he isn’t done yet. While he may not be grinding through a full PGA Tour schedule anymore, the biggest events in golf remain in his sights.
“I haven’t been able to do that, but I’ll get back after it and look to play some of the bigger events.”
This statement alone is a beacon of hope for the golf world. Woods’ appearances—whether at The Masters, The Open, or another major—are never just about competition. Every time he steps onto the course, the roars return, the anticipation builds, and the sport feels whole again.
Tiger Woods on the Future of Golf: “We’re Going to Get This Game Going in the Right Direction”
The current state of professional golf is fractured, divisive, and uncertain. With the ongoing battle between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, and the game’s biggest names split between rival factions, the future has felt unsteady. But if anyone can rally the sport, it’s Tiger Woods.
Woods isn’t just looking out for his own future—he’s focused on fixing the game itself.
“I think things are going to heal quickly. We’re going to get this game going in the right direction. It’s been heading in the wrong direction for a number of years, and the fans want all of us to play together—all the top players playing together—and we’re going to make that happen.”
When Tiger speaks, golf listens.
Woods has been a vocal leader in negotiations to unify the sport, ensuring that LIV Golf defectors, PGA Tour loyalists, and rising stars can compete on the same stage once again. His insistence that “we’re going to make that happen” suggests that a breakthrough may be closer than many expect.
Will Tiger Woods Be Ready for The Masters?
With Augusta less than two months away, the biggest question remains: Can Tiger Woods compete at The Masters in April?
History tells us never to count him out. In 2019, he silenced doubters with one of the most unforgettable comebacks in sports history, winning his fifth Green Jacket after years of injuries and personal battles.
If he feels physically ready, there is no doubt he’ll be there, walking up the 18th at Augusta to the cheers of thousands. But this time, it will be different—this time, he’ll be doing it without his greatest supporter, his mother, watching from home.
The Legend Continues
The 2025 golf season just became even more emotional. Tiger Woods, now battling through one of the most personal losses of his life, has one more comeback left in him.
His legacy is already cemented, his trophies already won, but one thing remains true:
Whenever Tiger Woods steps onto a golf course, the world watches.
And when he does return, he won’t just be playing for himself—but for the memory of his mother, Kultida Woods, who shaped him into the legend he is today.