“I’m Not Prepared Yet”: Tiger Woods Pulls Out of Signature Event While Mourning His Mother’s Passing

Tiger Woods made the unexpected decision to withdraw from the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines on Monday, stating that he was still coming to terms with the recent passing of his mother.

Kultida Woods passed away unexpectedly last week at the age of 80.

“I intended to play in the tournament this week, but I’m simply not ready,” Woods shared via social media.

“I did my utmost to prepare, knowing that’s what my mum would have wanted, but I am still processing her loss.”

As the host of the Genesis Invitational, Woods expressed his desire to return to Torrey Pines later in the week, extending his gratitude for the support he has received since his mother’s death.

Woods’ entry into the $30 million signature event came as a mild surprise, given that he hasn’t competed on the PGA Tour since the British Open last summer at Royal Troon. The tour granted him a special exemption to compete in these signature events.

Jake Knapp will take Woods’ place in the tournament draw.

Last week, Woods had travelled to Washington for a meeting with President Donald Trump, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, and Adam Scott, a player director on the tour board. He departed for Florida early on Tuesday.

The PGA Tour is looking to secure an investment deal with Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, which is backing the rival LIV Golf, with Trump’s involvement.

Woods and his son, Charlie, had played golf with Trump in Florida last Sunday, just before the president headed to New Orleans for the Super Bowl.

Woods referred to his mother as a “force of nature” and the “greatest support any child could hope for”.

While his father fostered his golfing talent, it was his mother who provided a calming influence, advising him to wear red on Sundays as his power colour, instilling a competitive edge and emphasising sportsmanship at the conclusion of play.

Woods lost his father to cancer in May 2006. He made his return to the competition a month later but missed the cut at the US Open, marking the first time in his professional career he had failed to make the cut at a major. Earl Woods had been battling cancer at the time.

In contrast, his mother’s passing was more sudden. She had intended to travel to California this week for the tournament, which supports Woods’ foundation.

The Genesis Invitational had to be moved from Riviera due to devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. Torrey Pines holds a special meaning for Woods, being the public course where he claimed the Junior World Championship in high school, won seven times on the PGA Tour, and most notably clinched the 2008 US Open while battling a double stress fracture in his left leg.

Torrey Pines marked his last top-10 finish on the PGA Tour, occurring in 2020, a year before he suffered severe injuries to his right leg in a car accident on a coastal road in Los Angeles. Following his recovery, Woods has only participated in majors, the Genesis Invitational, and his holiday event in the Bahamas.