Tiger Woods returned to action for the first time since the death of his mother at a TGL match in Florida – where she watched him play for the last time before passing.

Woods walked out for Tuesday’s event at SoFi Center with 16-year-old son Charlie by his side, just two weeks after the devastating loss of mom Kultida.

The golf icon announced in a heartbreaking statement on February 4 that Kultida, whom he credits for his legendary success in the sport, had died at the age of 80.

As he came to terms with her passing, Woods withdrew from playing in last week’s Genesis Invitational, before still showing his face on the final day of the tournament in Torrey Pines, San Diego.

Emotional return

Two days on from that appearance, he made an emotional return to competitive action on Tuesday night to play in TGL – the new golf simulator league he recently launched with good friend Rory McIlroy.

Before his Jupiter Links Golf Club’s match against the New York Golf Club, Woods admitted his sadness at returning to SoFi Center for the first time since his mom’s death, after she watched him play for the final time there on January 27.  

‘It’s a process,’ he told ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt before the match. ‘This was the last time she ever watched me play. It’s a bit emotional coming in here tonight.’

When asked what he’ll remember most about Kultida’s advice in his golf career, Woods added with a smile: ‘She was a hard lady. Very disciplined, very hard. 

‘She was very direct about her feelings, her emotions. She let you know either way. 

‘But she was always so supportive of me going out there and playing. It was incredible.’

After announcing her death, Woods described Kultida as his ‘biggest fan and greatest supporter’ while stressing how crucial a role she played in his career.

Mother’s death

He arrived at Torrey Pines South Course wearing his traditional Sunday red and dark sunglasses as he walked towards the clubhouse alongside Kai, who had previously walked the course with McIlroy for a practice round earlier in the week.

He also gave his first television interview since Kultida’s death live on CBS Sports, opening up on the pain of losing his ‘rock’ and the support he has received over the past fortnight.

‘It’s been a tough process to go through,’ Woods said. ‘But I’ve had amazing family support. All the players who were playing here this week have reached out.

‘The amount of texts and emails and nice messages of support I got has really helped and it really means a lot to me.

‘Mom was my rock. My dad worked at McDonnell Douglas at the time, working on the Delta rocket, and mom would take me to every junior event here in Southern California.’