Tiger Woods makes surprising PGA Tour announcement days after death of his mother

Tiger Woods has confirmed he will make his 2025 PGA Tour debut next week. 

The Genesis Invitational announced on Friday afternoon that Woods, who has served as tournament host since 2020, is in the field for next week's event. 

The tournament has been moved from Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles to Torrey Pines' South course in California after the devastating wildfires. 

Woods was expected to play but his appearance was in doubt after the golf legend confirmed the death of his mother Kultida on Tuesday. 

The golfer did not reveal the cause of death in an emotional announcement on social media. 

Tida attended Woods' TGL match last week where he joked to her that he would 'try not to suck' after his Jupiter Links were comfortably defeated in their first match. 

She was 78. 

The 82-time PGA Tour winner made just five appearances in 2024 before having his sixth back surgery in September. 

He broke the record for consecutive cuts made at The Masters but missed out on weekend action at the PGA Championship, U.S. Open and The Open. 

Woods was forced to withdraw from the 2024 Genesis Invitational early on in his second round through illness. 

Woods returned in December alongside his teenage son Charlie at the PNC Championship and they lost to Bernhard Langer and his son Jason in a playoff.

The 15-time major champion had also decided not to play in the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. 

Woods told reporters at the time that he had no idea when he would be able to play a professional event again but he was optimistic he could.

He made his TGL debut on 15 January where his team were comically defeated 12-1 by Los Angeles. 

Woods did hit some quality shots but has looked somewhat rusty, particularly with his short game and putting. 

The decision for Woods to play next week is also not really surprising given the success he has had at Torrey Pines. 

He has won the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines seven times and won the 2008 U.S. Open there after an 18-hole playoff against Rocco Mediate.

Woods has also tasted success there as a junior golfer. 

"She was my biggest fan"

Woods confirmed the death of his mother Tida on 4 February. 

He decided not to reveal her cause of death. 

Woods said none of his personal achievements would have been possible without his mother.

Tida was a regular attendee at his tournaments and was present when he won his fifth Masters title to end an 11-year wait to claim a 15th major in 2019.

"It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning," Woods wrote.

"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' father Earl died in 2006. 

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