The recent passing of Tiger Woods’ mother, Kultida Woods, has brought to light the significant influence she had on the 15-time major champion’s career. Tida was always there to support Tiger, instilling in him the killer instinct and competitive drive that defined his playing style. Tida’s presence on the golf course, from keeping score during Tiger’s junior days to providing guidance and motivation throughout his career, played a crucial role in shaping Tiger into the player he is today.
One of the standout moments that exemplifies Tida’s impact on Tiger was her presence at the 2019 Masters, where Tiger secured his latest green jacket. The emotional embrace between Tiger and his mother after the victory showcased the deep bond they shared and the unwavering support Tida provided throughout Tiger’s career. Another poignant moment occurred shortly before her passing when Tida watched Tiger compete in his newly formed TGL simulator league, demonstrating her unwavering support for her son on and off the golf course.
As Tiger prepares to compete in the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines, the change in venue from Riviera to Torrey presents both opportunities and challenges for the 49-year-old golfer. While Tiger has a strong history at Torrey Pines, winning eight times at the venue, the forecast for the upcoming tournament includes cold weather and rain, conditions that may hinder Tiger’s performance. Despite his past success at Torrey, the physical challenges of Tiger’s injuries and surgeries make it unlikely for him to contend for the title.
In recent news, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, player/player director Adam Scott, and Tiger Woods met with President Donald Trump to discuss the potential merger of men’s professional golf. The involvement of the Trump administration in the negotiations has sparked optimism for a resolution to the longstanding dispute. However, there are still uncertainties surrounding the details of the merger and the timeline for its completion, leaving many in the golf community skeptical about the possibility of reunifying the game.
The USGA’s decision to provide LIV Golf exemptions into the U.S. Open marks a significant move by a major-championship running organization to integrate players from the new tour. The top-3 LIV players will have the opportunity to compete in the U.S. Open, creating a pathway for talented players like Joaquin Niemann and Tyrell Hatton to showcase their skills on a major stage. This move sets a precedent for other majors to potentially follow suit and offer similar exemptions to LIV players, ensuring a more diverse and competitive field in future tournaments.
