Emotional Homecoming: Tiger Woods returns to TGL following Mother's death
Alona Yadav | Feb 20, 2025, 18:06 IST
( Image credit : AP )
Tiger Woods returned to competitive golf just two weeks after his mother's passing, playing in a TGL match where his team, Jupiter Links Golf Club, lost 10-3 to New York Golf Club. Woods reflected on his mother's support and described her as disciplined yet supportive, while sharing an emotional moment at the venue where she last watched him play.
Tiger Woods made his poignant return to competitive golf on Tuesday, just two weeks after losing his mother Kultida, as his Jupiter Links Golf Club fell 10-3 to New York Golf Club in TGL action.
The 15-time major champion, who co-founded the innovative part-virtual league with Rory McIlroy, entered SoFi Center alongside his 16-year-old son Charlie—the same venue where Kultida had last watched her son compete on January 27.
"It's a process," Woods told ESPN's Scott Van Pelt before Tuesday's match, explaining his withdrawal from last week's Genesis Invitational. "This was the last time she ever watched me play, so it was a bit emotional coming in here tonight. (Teammates) Kis (Kevin Kisner) and TK (Tom Kim), they gave me huge hugs."
The golf legend took a moment to reflect on his mother's lifelong support. "She was a hard lady. Very disciplined, very hard. She was very direct about her feelings, her emotions—she'd let you know either way," Woods shared. "But she was always so supportive of me going out there and playing. It was incredible."
On the course, Jupiter struggled against a dominant New York squad featuring Rickie Fowler, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Cameron Young. New York surged to an unprecedented 8-0 lead after eight holes, with notable spectators including New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso and Yankees legend CC Sabathia watching from the stands.
Though Jupiter managed to collect three points on the 9th and 10th holes, the match featured a lighthearted moment that provided some comic relief during an otherwise emotional night. When Woods' caddie Rob McNamara called out "99" (meaning 199 yards to the target), Woods misinterpreted and hit his approach shot just 99 yards—leaving him 100 yards short.
The miscommunication prompted teammates Kisner and Kim to collapse in laughter, with Woods later smiling about what he called "one of the most embarrassing moments in my golfing career."
Jupiter's road doesn't get easier, as they next face the undefeated league leaders The Bay Golf Club on February 25, while New York takes on Los Angeles on February 24.
The 15-time major champion, who co-founded the innovative part-virtual league with Rory McIlroy, entered SoFi Center alongside his 16-year-old son Charlie—the same venue where Kultida had last watched her son compete on January 27.
"It's a process," Woods told ESPN's Scott Van Pelt before Tuesday's match, explaining his withdrawal from last week's Genesis Invitational. "This was the last time she ever watched me play, so it was a bit emotional coming in here tonight. (Teammates) Kis (Kevin Kisner) and TK (Tom Kim), they gave me huge hugs."
The golf legend took a moment to reflect on his mother's lifelong support. "She was a hard lady. Very disciplined, very hard. She was very direct about her feelings, her emotions—she'd let you know either way," Woods shared. "But she was always so supportive of me going out there and playing. It was incredible."
On the course, Jupiter struggled against a dominant New York squad featuring Rickie Fowler, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Cameron Young. New York surged to an unprecedented 8-0 lead after eight holes, with notable spectators including New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso and Yankees legend CC Sabathia watching from the stands.
Though Jupiter managed to collect three points on the 9th and 10th holes, the match featured a lighthearted moment that provided some comic relief during an otherwise emotional night. When Woods' caddie Rob McNamara called out "99" (meaning 199 yards to the target), Woods misinterpreted and hit his approach shot just 99 yards—leaving him 100 yards short.
The miscommunication prompted teammates Kisner and Kim to collapse in laughter, with Woods later smiling about what he called "one of the most embarrassing moments in my golfing career."
Jupiter's road doesn't get easier, as they next face the undefeated league leaders The Bay Golf Club on February 25, while New York takes on Los Angeles on February 24.