On Tuesday, the PGA legend announced the death of his mother, Kutilda, who passed away at age 81. In a statement posted to his X account, Woods described her as “a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable”.
Kutilda was a fixture at Woods’ tournaments and was often seen celebrating — and consoling — her son over the course of his career. Here’s a quick look at some of the moments Tiger shared with his mom on and off the course.
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,… pic.twitter.com/RoKd0fsM9J
U.S. golfer Tiger Woods (L) sits with his family after winning the Target World Challenge golf tournament in Thousand Oaks, California December 16, 2007. Woods’ mother, Kultida, is carrying his daughter Sam Alexis as wife Elin (R) looks on. REUTERS/Robert Galbraith (UNITED STATES)6 Jul 1997: Tiger Woods (left) smiles with his mother Kultida Woods (right) during the Motorola Western Open at the Cog Hill Country Club in Lemont, Illinois. Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons /AllsportTiger Woods poses with his mother, Kultida while holding his U.S. Open Championship trophy after winning the tournament at Pebble Beach in California 18 June, 2000. Woods won with a score of 12-under-par. AFP PHOTO/Mike FIALA (Photo by Mike FIALA / AFP) (Photo by MIKE FIALA/AFP via Getty Images)THOUSAND OAKS, CA – DECEMBER 12: Tiger Woods’ parents Earl Woods and Tida Woods sit together to watch the trophy presentation after the final round of the Target World Challenge at Sherwood Country Club on December 12, 2004 in Thousand Oaks, California. Tiger Woods won the event at 16 under par. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 19: Golfer Tiger Woods hugs his mother Kultida Woods after making a statement from the Sunset Room on the second floor of the TPC Sawgrass, home of the PGA Tour on February 19, 2010 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Woods publicly admitted to cheating on his wife Elin Nordegren but maintained that the issues remain “a matter between a husband and a wife.” (Photo by Joe Skipper-Pool/Getty Images)AUGUSTA, GA – APRIL 09: Tiger Woods of the United States reacts to a shot from the pine straw on the ninth hole as his mother Kultida looks on during the first round of the 2015 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 9, 2015 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 06: Professional golfer Tiger Woods (R) is joined by his mother Kultida Woods (2nd L), children Sam Alexis Woods and Charlie Axel Woods and girlfriend Erica Herman during his Medal of Freedom ceremony in the Rose Garden at the White House May 06, 2019 in Washington, DC. President Donald Trump announced he would give the nation’s highest civilian honor to business partner Woods, 43, in honor of his Masters victory last month. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA – MARCH 09: Tiger Woods, mother Kultida Woods (L), children Sam Alexis Woods and Charlie Axel Woods (C) and Erica Herman (R) pose for a photo prior to his induction at the 2022 World Golf Hall of Fame Induction at the PGA TOUR Global Home on March 09, 2022 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)Tiger Wood’s son, Charlie, 3, is held by Amy Reynolds (left) of Tiger Woods Design as mom, Kultida, watch Tiger finish his second round at The Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, FL Mar. 2, 2012
Monday night saw the marquee event in the league’s short history as Woods’ Jupiter Links Golf Club faced co-owner McIlroy’s Boston Commons Golf. Ahead of the match, Woods called out to his mother, Kultida Woods, to deliver a hilarious message.
Woods made good on his promise as his team defeated McIlroy’s 4-3 in overtime. Unfortunately for the fans watching at home, neither Woods or McIlroy participated in the overtime period, which was decided with a closest-to-the-pin competition.
Woods last appeared in a professional tournament at The Open Championship last summer. He participated in every major in 2024 but missed the cut in all of them except for The Masters, in which he finished 60th. Woods also participated in The Genesis Invitational earlier in the season but withdrew after Round 1.
Tom Brady uses perfect analogy to describe Commanders QB Jayden Daniels.
The legendary Tom Brady called last weekend’s NFC divisional-round playoff game between the Detroit Lions and the Washington Commanders. Before the game, Brady came onto the field to speak with Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. This was the first time this season that Brady was on the call for a Washington game.
Daniels was phenomenal, leading the Commanders to a 45-31 win over the top-seeded Lions and earning their first NFC championship appearance since the 1991 season. Brady interviewed Daniels after the game and honored him with the LFG Player of the Game award, which led to a funny moment between the two.
Fox Sports will be in town for the NFC championship game between the Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles, which means Brady will see Daniels up close again.
On the latest version of the podcast “Let’s Go!” with Jim Gray and his former coach, Bill Belichick, Brady heaped praise on Daniels.
“How do we really evaluate confidence?” Brady asked, courtesy of Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. “How do we evaluate poise? Because some people have it. The moments aren’t too big for them. They look at the challenge, and they think about, ‘Man, this is gonna be amazing when we go out and beat these guys.’ And the other guys look at the challenge and go, ‘Oh man, I really don’t want to mess up.’ And I think that fear of failure, instilled in a lot of people in early points of their life, keeps them from the ultimate confidence that they have in themselves, which allows them to grow to their maximum potential.”
That’s where the conversation specifically turned to Daniels.
“So even though Jayden Daniels is just a rookie, he has that poise and confidence,” Brady continued. “Imagine, I guess, another correlation, look at a young Tiger Woods. He never had proven on the big stage that he was ready for those big moments in the Masters in ’97, but he had proved that to himself in all those junior amateurs that he won, that he didn’t care who he was playing. It was him versus him.”
Only someone like Brady could draw those parallels. When do we stop viewing Daniels as a rookie and instead as an exceptional talent? Every great athlete has this moment where they’re forever viewed differently. Daniels’ first two playoff games — both road wins — may be his moment.
That’s why, on Sunday, the Commanders have a chance. That’s why, for the next decade, the Commanders always have a chance. And no one said it better than Tom Brady.
Good morning, Winners! Welcome back to the Morning Win. Thanks so much for rocking with us today. We appreciate you.
Remember all that stuff we said about Tomorrow’s Golf League last week? It all still applies. The SponCon is still too overt and overbearing. The players’ competitive drive was as strong as my 5-year-old niece’s toy truck, which isn’t very strong at all. And, somehow, we still haven’t had a close match yet.
But, hey, man. Tiger Woods played golf last night.
That other stuff? Get it out of here. Who cares? It hits different when the Eye of the Tiger starts playing and you catch the first glimpse of that red polo. This might be the most robust dog and pony show the golf world has ever seen. But if Tiger is selling, you can be sure everyone else is probably buying. As it turns out, Tiger Woods playing golf on television in any format is an excellent idea, no matter what it looks like or how well he plays.
And you better believe he stunk. It wasn’t just him — his entire team phoned it in. LA Golf Club thrashed Woods’ Jupiter Links team with a score of 12 to 1 in a match that was never really close or competitive. Sounds exactly like last week, doesn’t it?
Every wedge shot for Jupiter was long. They were driving the balls all over the virtual map in places they probably shouldn’t have. The putting? Don’t even get me started on the putting. Watching Kevin Kisner completely blade this ball into the pin had to be the highlight of the TGL seasons so far but for all the wrong reasons.
Seeing Tiger cry laughing like that was incredible, even as his team continuously spiraled into defeat. That right there? Seeing that was a blast. It made the disappointment of this match totally worth it. I kept watching it over and over and over again because, like Tiger, I just couldn’t stop laughing.
And that’s when it hit me. Maybe that’s the sell.
It’s certainly not what we thought TGL was going to be. I’m not actually sure it’s what TGL wants to be. But this league has been at its best so far when our favorite golfers are at their most unserious. That’s when this league really shines.
Time will tell whether that’s a good or bad thing or if it can even work when Tiger, himself, isn’t the one cackling on the greens.
But I’ll tell you this: That was probably funny enough to get me to come back, at least one more time, next week.
Tom Brady is playing by different rules
Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
The NFL has a real problem on its hands with Tom Brady, even if it won’t acknowledge it.
Brady is calling playoff games for FOX these days. He’s also a part owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders are looking for a new head coach and just so happen to be recruiting Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Brady is also calling the Lions’ playoff game against the Commanders this weekend.
“With Brady’s status as a minority owner of a team seeking Johnson’s services, we have been presented with a massive conflict of interest involving the top head coaching candidate in this cycle. It’s untenable and unacceptable all around. In a just sporting society, this situation would be so damaging to a league that lies to itself (and everyone else) about ethics, integrity, and fair play.
But, as with most things, the NFL will sweep it under the rug.”
All I know is that if Johnson ends up with the Raiders, it’ll look pretty fishy.
Wii Sports, but make it the Australian Open
I’m not going to lie, guys. It was kind of jarring seeing the Australian Open being broadcast on YouTube as if the players were playing their matches on Wii Sports.
BUT. This is kind of fire.
The Australian Open don’t own all of their broadcasting rights (fairly common), so they’re live-streaming a Wii Tennis-like version of the matches on YouTube – love this
That’s what the AO’s YouTube broadcast looks like. They’re using AI avatars to skate around the tournament’s broadcast rights on YouTube conveniently. It’s kind of ridiculous, but also kind of genius at the same time. It’s basically the same thing as seeing a Simpsons NFL broadcast, except it’s just a tad bit more serious.
The broadcast gets everything, too! Even the racquet smashes. It’s just perfect in every way.
Quick hits: Unrivaled is awesome … Jontay Porter’s friends are morons … and more
No, it wasn’t a moment on the (virtual) course. It was Tiger’s entrance.
The legendary golfer stood in a red lit area backstage with some mist before strutting in to the sounds of — what else? — Eye of the Tiger by Survivor. It was epic. So what if Tiger hasn’t played too much as of late? This was quite the intro, and we need this at every major he plays from here on in.
If you drain a hole in one on the PGA Tour, drinks are on you when you get back to the clubhouse. Even if you’re 15 years old.
That’s what Charlie Woods was left to learn Sunday after his first-ever ace — a beautiful par three iron that left dad Tiger Woods almost giddy with joy in the aftermath. Soon after, Tiger told his son the bad news. Dropping that tee shot into the cup was gonna cost him once the round was over. Especially during an event in which John Daly and his son are also competitors.
At 15 years old, it would take a few allowances to pay for all the $12 beers at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Course. Fortunately for him, his dad and his $120 million in career earnings from PGA events alone should be able to cover the tab.
The PNC Championship allows a quick glimpse at what could be the next generation of golf’s biggest stars. That’s because they’ve come from current and past generations of golf’s biggest stars.
The event allows pros to tee up with their children, adding a special wrinkle to the off-season event. No one generates more excitement — or more eyeballs — than one of the greatest golfers in history. Tiger Woods is playing this week, alongside 15-year-old son Charlie.
On Sunday, Charlie showcased the mechanics and awareness that made his dad a 15-time major winner. His hole-in-one on the par three fourth helped Team Woods tie Team Singh and Team Langer atop the leaderboard at -18.
Surprise washed over the younger Woods’s face as he learned what he assumed was merely a good shot was, in fact, the best shot he could have made. Tiger made no effort to hide his joy, pulling his teenager in for a chest-thumping hug to celebrate the first ace of his golf career. Then, with a loud “yeah!” he excitedly shoved his son away in a bit of impromptu Elaine Benes cosplay.
via Golf Channel
Just guys being dudes, and a dad being proud of his son.
Golf legend Tiger Woods and his son, Charlie, have teamed up this week to hit the links at the PNC Championship. The event, which allows some of the biggest names in golf to pair up with members of their family, is a best-ball tournament at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Grande Lakes in Florida.
Nelly Korda, Nick Faldo, Fred Couples, Annika Sorenstam, Vijay Singh and John Daly are among the other golfers in the field.
At 15 years old, Charlie Woods is already showing some of the same prowess his father has on the course, but the duo is eerily in sync in their movements and post-putt motions.
Come for the putt, stay for Tiger and Charlie Woods perfectly in sync.
The location has two artificial turf mini-golf courses set amid tropical landscaping.
There’s a new Tiger Woods’ PopStroke set to open in West Palm Beach this month, with a new level of amenities added to the family-friendly golf and dining venue.
PopStroke takes the old concept of mini-golf and elevates it into a high-tech experience that is heavy on perks, plus food and drink.
During a preview of the West Palm Beach complex on Dec. 5, PopStroke Chief Executive Greg Bartoli showed the many details he hopes will transform the nearly $20 million site into a flagship destination for the company.
The location has two artificial turf mini-golf courses set amid tropical landscaping, outdoor lighting and misting fans.
The venue also features a children’s playground, a restaurant, six bars, and six 24-foot-by-13-foot jumbotron video screens that display leaderboards and sports games.
This PopStroke location, the second in Palm Beach County (the other is in Delray Beach), also has the most extra of touches: A 21 and older VIP lounge, featuring a swimming pool and bar.
The West Palm Beach PopStroke, at 2429 Perimeter Rd., will open to the public Dec. 20, at 10 a.m. The property, off Belvedere Road just west of Interstate 95, is on land leased from the Palm Beach International Airport.
Bartoli, who is partners with Woods in the venture, said he’s tried to create a lively atmosphere for everyone, “like a backyard party.”
PopStroke is a far cry from the mini-golf courses that once dotted many Old Florida tourist towns.
But Bartoli said the influx of companies and residents into Palm Beach County in recent years, a trend accelerated during the COVID pandemic, created the need for a centrally-located gathering spot.
“There’s no windmills, no clowns,” Bartoli said of PopStroke. “Instead, we’ve made a beautiful environment that can appeal to different guests.”
Palm Beach County “has the nicest, world-class resorts,” Bartoli added, “and we want to make this a showcase property.”
The newly-built PopStroke reflects the increasingly upscale orientation of businesses throughout Palm Beach County, whether it’s private clubs, hotels, office buildings and shopping centers.
Who can play at PopStroke?
There’s something for everyone at PopStroke, from visitors aged three to 93.
During the day, children and families can play golf or enjoy other games, such as cornhole. In addition to a family-friendly restaurant, there’s also an ice cream parlor.
At night, PopStroke’s dramatic lighting creates the scene for gatherings of friends and professionals, he said.
Meanwhile, the members-only VIP room will be its own scene, right down to the food.
The sushi served in the lounge will be flown in from Japan and prepared by chefs who previously worked at Nobu, Bartoli said.
In addition to the swimming pool and cabanas, the VIP lounge also has showers, changing rooms and lockers.
Courses are near completion during a tour of the soon-to-open PopStroke entertainment venue near Palm Beach International Airport in unincorporated Palm Beach County, Fla., on December 5, 2024. CEO Greg Bartoli says the facility is two weeks from its grand opening. (Thomas Cordy/Palm Beach Post)
‘Sand’ traps, hills and lots of extras
The West Palm Beach location PopStroke features two 18-hole mini-golf courses designed by a professional golf course designer.
The courses are intended to mimic the traits of a regular golf course. This includes plenty of sand traps made of white artificial turf, plus lots of little hills.
In addition to the putting courses, there’s also an extra “challenge” hole to play.
Key to the PopStroke experience is the blending of sports with technology. Guests must download an app to play golf at PopStroke. The app allows players to update their scores on the jumbotron leaderboards. Guests also can order drinks, which are delivered by servers to the customer’s exact spot on the (mini) greens.
PopStroke also has a two-story restaurant and amenities building.
A ground-floor restaurant will serve a traditional American menu. The space opens to a fenced-in children’s playground.
Bartoli, who has three young children, said parents can watch their children play while they finish their meals in peace.
Above the restaurant is a second-floor event space with its own bar. Bartoli said the venue can accommodate up to 100 guests for events ranging from birthday parties to corporate gatherings.
But only VIP club members can rent the upstairs VIP space, he said.
However, for an unspecified amount, he said the entire PopStroke space can be rented out.
Courses are near completion during a tour of the soon-to-open PopStroke entertainment venue near Palm Beach International Airport in unincorporated Palm Beach County, Fla., on December 5, 2024. CEO Greg Bartoli says the facility is two weeks from its grand opening. (Thomas Cordy/Palm Beach Post)
How much does it cost to play?
The restaurant is open to the public, and people do not need to buy a golf pass to eat there.
But for those wanting to play the mini-golf courses, PopStroke costs $30 per person for an all-day pass from Monday through Thursday, and $35 from Friday through Sunday.
Discounts are available for children and seniors.
PopStroke memberships are available for $30 a month and provide unlimited golf play, plus 25% off food and beverage and 20% off events.
The VIP space has a different fee: $5,000 a year. VIP members get a “fast pass” to the courses and are first in line to tee off.
Why Bartoli created PopStroke
Bartoli, a former Wall Street banker, moved to Florida several years ago and settled in Jupiter with his young family.
He quickly became a mini-golf aficionado and developed the Lighthouse Cove Adventure Golf course, which has two locations in Jupiter.
But Bartoli said he still yearned for a golf venue where he could bring his three children and enjoy some adult me-time.
When he created PopStroke in 2018, he made sure to include play areas and playgrounds along with sports bars and television sets.
Bartoli opened PopStroke’s first location in Port St. Lucie in 2019, then brought on Woods, who lives in Jupiter Island, as a co-owner in 2020. Woods’ TGR Design redid the Port St. Lucie course.
PopStroke’s first Palm Beach County location, at 1314 N. Federal Highway in Delray Beach, opened in November 2023.
Since then, the company has opened locations across the country, including Las Vegas, Arizona and Texas. More locations are planned.
PopStroke was going to open a location in Wellington, but Bartoli said that spot has been put on hold for now.
Instead, he said PopStroke wants to build up the West Palm Beach location as a dominant destination and attract people “from all over the county.”
Woods isn’t the only major golf investor to get involved in PopStroke Entertainment Group.
The equipment company TaylorMade joined with the venture, too. Each PopStroke venue is outfitted with special edition TaylorMade golf balls for patrons to use on the putting course and take home as a keepsake.
Putters are included in the PopStroke day pass, but premium TaylorMade rental putters can be rented for $10.
PopStroke’s offices in Jupiter and Stuart employ about 75. But the company nationwide employs 2,000.
And at the West Palm Beach location alone, the company expects to hire between 175-200 people, Bartoli said.
The Popstroke golf courses are among the numerous facilities that have been coming to Palm Beach County, which is known by some to be the “golf capital of the world” because it is home to 145 courses and many of the golfers on the PGA Tour.
Alexandra Clough is a business writer at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at aclough@pbpost.com. X: @acloughpbp. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
Tiger Woods has committed to playing in next week’s PNC Championship with his son, Charlie, at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida.
During a booth appearance at his Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas last weekend, Woods said, “We’ll see,” when asked if the father-son duo would be teeing it up in the final Silly Season event of the year.
Due to another surgery, Woods wasn’t in the field at Albany, and this will be the first time we’ll see the 15-time major champion on the course since a missed cut at the British Open in July.
: Peacock and Golf Channel | PNC Championship 
