Tiger Woods withdraws from Genesis Invitational after mother's death

In the United States, Tiger Woods has officially withdrawn from the Genesis Invitational held at Torrey Pines due to the recent passing of his mother, Kultida Woods. Kultida, who was 80, passed away last week, leading to a deep sense of grief for the golfer. Originally, Woods had committed to participate in the tournament which he himself hosts, expressing that competing would honor his mother's wishes. However, as the event approached, he realized he was not mentally prepared to compete after experiencing such a significant loss. Tiger Woods, a 15-time major champion, had been eager to make his first return to professional golf since the Open Championship last summer, which was a notable absence following his sixth back surgery. Competing in the Genesis Invitational would have marked a significant milestone in his comeback journey, but the emotional toll of his mother's death proved overwhelming. In a statement, Woods expressed heartfelt sadness regarding his mother's death, describing her as his biggest supporter throughout his life. He shared how her spirit and love had impacted not only his achievements but also the lives of his children, Sam and Charlie, who cherished their grandmother deeply. Woods thanked supporters for their understanding and asked for privacy during this difficult time. Ultimately, Woods' decision to step back from competition highlights the profound effects of loss and grief, underscoring the importance of mental readiness in professional sports. As he processes this significant change in his life, it remains unclear when he will return to competitive golf.