In the aftermath of the passing of his mother, the Genesis Invitational decided to pay tribute to the woman who helped raise the tournament’s organizer: Tiger Woods.
Each year since 2020, the Tiger Woods Foundation has been the main organizer for the tournament formerly known as the Los Angeles Open and held at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades.
But this year’s edition of the tournament will be vastly different than in year’s past after organizers decided to move courses following the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
Not only that, but Tiger won’t be there either. The 49-year-old Woods was set to play in his first tournament since the 2024 Open Championship and his third Genesis in a row.
But after the recent passing of his mother, Kultida, at the age of 80 last week, Woods withdrew from the event.
In her honor, organizers decided to make the flag at the 7th hole at Torrey Pines in San Diego all white with no sponsorship to pay tribute to her religion and heritage.
The Genesis Invitational will have an all-white flag on the seventh hole at Torrey Pines
This was done to honor Kultida Woods, the mother of Tiger Woods, who passed at age 80
Kultida was a native of Thailand and was a Buddhist. Both the number seven and the color white have significant symbolism in the faith.
In Buddhism, the color white represents clarity in cognition. It also symbolizes transformation through elements like water and serves as a focal point for concentration practices.
Likewise, the number seven represents to Buddhists the seven stages which guide individuals on their path to spiritual enlightenment.
Kultida passed away on February 4, with Woods releasing an emotional statement while not revealing the cause of her passing.
Woods said in a statement: ‘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, without her none of my personal achievements would have been possible.
‘She was loved by so many, but especially by her two grandchildren, Sam and Charlie. Thank you all for your support, prayers and privacy at this difficult time for me and my family. Love you Mom.’
Woods (seen here in 1997 with Kultida) withdrew from the Genesis to mourn her passing
For the first time in three years, Tiger won’t be at the Genesis. For the first time ever, the event formerly known as the Los Angeles Open will not be held in or around the Los Angeles area
The event was moved to Torrey Pines in San Diego following the devastating LA wildfires
Woods was lined up to play at the Genesis this week, but backed out to continue grieving the loss of his mother.
He announced the move on Monday, saying, ‘I planned to tee it up this week, but I’m just not ready.
‘I did my best to prepare, knowing it’s what my Mom would have wanted, but I’m still processing her loss.
‘Thanks to everyone who has reached out. I hope to be at Torrey later in the week and appreciate the continued kindness since my Mom’s passing.’
Woods hasn’t played competitively – either on the tour or in his newly started TGL sim golf league – since Kultida’s passing, but he was seen golfing with President Donald Trump in Florida on Super Bowl Sunday.
The Genesis Invitational was moved to Torrey Pines in San Diego following the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.
In particular, the Palisades Fire bared down on the area of Pacific Palisades – the neighborhood in which Riviera Country Club is located.
After the devastation, the tournament was moved to Torrey Pines. The course had just recently hosted the Farmers Insurance Open – one of the first events on the tour calendar – back in January and has notably hosted the US Open in 2008 and 2021.
