Tiger Woods’ mum’s ‘brutal’ reaction to affairs and reason she wanted him to wear red

Tiger Woods has lost a major influence in his life with the death of his mother, Kultida. The iconic announced her passing on Tuesday .

The devastating news will undoubtedly hit Woods hard, with the pair’s relationship famously strong. Kultida was often seen supporting her son and was at the 18th green at in 2019 when he won his 15th major title.

She was also in attendance in 2022 when made an emotional return to professional golf after previously being out of the game for almost two years following a car crash. However, her influence was much greater than simply supporting him on the fairway.

News of Woods’ in 2009 stunned the sporting world and as he explained to the following year, his mother and ex-wife Elin Nordegren were “brutal” on him when they discovered the extent of his infidelities. “I hurt them the most,” he said. “Those are the two people in my life who I’m closest to and to say the things that I’ve done, truthfully to them [was] very painful.”

While she was reportedly angry with Woods for his actions, Kultida stood by Woods’ side at a press conference and, according totold him: “I’m so proud of you. Never think you stand alone. Mom will always be there for you and I love you.” Kultida also encouraged him to  Buddhism in a bid to navigate tough times in life.

There are several theories as to why Woods wears his signature colour of red on Sundays during tournaments. According to the man himself, it’s Kultida that deserves credit for his iconic fit after she declared it his “power colour”.

“It goes back to my mom,” he told ESPN. “My mom says that my power colour is red. And so, in junior golf I won a golf tournament wearing red. She said, ‘See I told you. Red.’ So, the very next tournament what do I do? I wear blue.

“Okay. So, I win. Again, I told her, and I just kind of made fun of it. Poked at her a little bit. I think I lost the next two out of three tournaments wearing blue. Switched to red and I went on a hot streak. And, well, I kept it.”

While clearly heavily supportive of him, the icon admitted that he was actually afraid of his mother. Explaining to in 2017, Woods revealed that even though his father, Earl, who died in 2006, had a military background, he found his mother more intimidating.

“My mom was the enforcer,” he said. “My dad may have been in the Special Forces, but I was never afraid of him. My mom’s still here and I’m still deathly afraid of her. She’s a very tough, tough old lady, very demanding.”

Taking to social media to announce the passing of his mum, the 49-year-old said: “It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning.

“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.”