Sophia Michaels
On February 4, Tiger Woods shared the heartbreaking news of his mother’s passing, Kultida Woods. In his heartfelt Instagram statement, he described her as an extraordinary presence, dubbing her “The Enforcer” for her strong character. Understandably, this fierce attitude translated into her strict response during Tiger’s scandal.
Following the allegations of Tiger’s infidelity with then-wife Elin Nordegren, Kultida was reportedly devastated. A family friend revealed that she felt deep hurt and anger over his actions. It became clear that she held him equally accountable for the pain he caused. Tiger later acknowledged in a 2010 interview how tough both his mother and wife had been on him during this troubled time, revealing the emotional difficulty he faced in admitting his wrongs to them.
Despite her disappointment, Kultida stood by Tiger during his public apology for his actions in February 2010. Afterward, she expressed her pride in him, reassuring him of her unwavering support through his struggles. This supportive nature stemmed from the values she instilled in him, even while being strict during the scandal.
Tiger Woods had a fear of his mother
Kultida’s quick alignment with Elin amid the scandal may also be tied to her own experiences. Sources indicate that Tiger’s father, Earl Woods, was reportedly unfaithful, leading to emotional turmoil for Kultida. An old girlfriend of Tiger recounted how he would cry to her about his father’s infidelity, showing the familial distress over such behaviors.
Within the family dynamic, Kultida was viewed as the strict figure. Tiger admitted to being “deathly afraid” of her, emphasizing the discipline she maintained compared to Earl. He once shared that in their household, his mother wielded the metaphorical “hand,” while his father was the “voice,” highlighting her central role in instilling values and expectations.
Tiger illustrated his mother’s strictness during a recent speaking engagement, reminiscing about how, at age twelve, Kultida made him donate his collection of 113 trophies, reflecting her belief in humility and balance.
