Genesis Invitational Pays Tribute to Tiger Woods' Late Mother Kultida.

The Genesis Invitational is set to unfold at a new venue this year, marking a significant change for this prestigious golf tournament. While tournament host Tiger Woods, 49, will not be participating in the competition, his influence continues to shape the event. Woods, who had originally planned to compete, made the decision to withdraw, citing that he was "just not ready" to return to the game. The legendary golfer is still dealing with the loss of his mother, Kultida Woods, who passed away on February 4 at the age of 80.

Despite Woods' absence, the tournament remains true to his vision, with a 36-hole cut and a smaller field of competitors, as well as an increased prize pool, which are all elements that Woods has had a hand in shaping over the years. These changes were designed to elevate the tournament's prestige and enhance the competition.

To honor his late mother, the Genesis Invitational will feature a special tribute: a flag stick placed on the seventh green at Torrey Pines. This gesture holds deep significance, as both the number seven and the color white carry special meaning in Buddhism, a faith that Kultida Woods held dear. Woods' mother, originally from Thailand, was a devoted Buddhist, and this tribute serves as a poignant symbol of her influence on her son’s life.

In a tribute to @TigerWoods' late mother Tida, the 7th hole @TheGenesisInv will feature an all white flag.

A native of Thailand, Tida was a faithful Buddhist, and the No. 7 and color white are significant in Buddhism and will be displayed in her honor. pic.twitter.com/oj9Oh2rrcU

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 13, 2025

The Genesis Invitational is a professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour, traditionally held at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California. The event has been a part of the PGA Tour since 1926 and is well-known for its historic significance and prestigious field of competitors. It is one of the few invitational tournaments, meaning only a select number of golfers are invited to participate, often resulting in a smaller, highly competitive field.

The tournament has seen various changes and improvements over the years. Since 2017, it has been sponsored by Genesis Motors, and the event has been officially known as the Genesis Invitational. The tournament has also been elevated in status within the PGA Tour, offering a larger prize pool and attracting top-tier talent.

Tiger Woods has been deeply connected to the Genesis Invitational. Since 2017, he has served as the tournament’s host, and his influence has helped shape the event into one of the most notable stops on the PGA Tour calendar. Woods has had a long history with the tournament and Riviera Country Club, and his participation in the event has added even more prestige. He has also made notable charitable contributions through the tournament, using the event to benefit the TGR Foundation, which works to support youth education and community development.

In 2025, however, Woods was unable to compete in the event due to ongoing recovery from injuries and the emotional toll of his mother's recent passing. Woods has had a complicated relationship with the tournament over the past years as he continues to recover from serious injuries sustained in a 2021 car accident. Despite not being able to participate, Tiger’s legacy and influence are deeply felt at the tournament, with his personal touch evident in aspects like the 36-hole cut, a higher prize pool, and a smaller field of competitors.

Even without Woods on the course, the Genesis Invitational will carry his legacy and bring together top-tier golfers for an event that continues to push the boundaries of excellence in the sport. The invitational status of the tournament also ensures that only the best of the best compete, maintaining its prestigious reputation. As Woods deals with personal loss, this year’s tournament will reflect both his contributions to golf and the enduring love and respect for his late mother.

Carrie Underwood Tears Up in American Idol Promo