Tiger Woods arrives at Genesis Invitational with Donald Trump's granddaughter, Kai
Golf fans were unsure whether or not Tiger Woods would make an appearance at Torrey Pines for the Genesis Invitational during the weekend. Woods' mother, Kultida, passed away just three days prior to the tournament entry deadline, and although Woods had originally committed to playing, he eventually pulled out, claiming he was just "not ready."
Despite grieving, Woods made it out to the course for the final day of the tournament, arriving in his traditional red polo. Many golfers participating in the tournament were seen wearing red as well, including red pins, in honor of Woods' mother.
Woods wasn't alone when he arrived though. Prior to heading to the range, Woods was seen in the parking lot with Donald Trump's granddaughter, Kai Trump. Woods recently played a round of golf with the president, whose granddaughter recently committed to playing golf at the University of Miami.
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🚨📸🇺🇸 #PHOTO: Tiger Woods arrived at the Genesis Invitational this morning alongside Donald Trump’s grand-daughter, @kaitrump. pic.twitter.com/QMGGxBHOtr
— TWLEGION (@TWlegion) February 16, 2025
Tournament host @TigerWoods has arrived 🐅 pic.twitter.com/uF6YRWSw7e
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 16, 2025
What happened to Tiger Woods' mother?
Woods' mother, Kutilda, died at the age of 80 on Feb. 4, 2025. Her son announced her passing on social media.
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,… pic.twitter.com/RoKd0fsM9J
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) February 4, 2025
Kutilda had been a stable figure during Woods' career, constantly seen standing by her son. Most recently, she'd made appearances at a few TGL events, Woods' latest golfing venture.
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Tiger Woods' history with the Genesis Invitational
Woods' first career PGA Tour event came as a 16-year-old at the Los Angeles Open, now known as the Genesis Invitational. Despite playing in the tournament 16 times throughout his career though, Woods has never won the event. The Los Angeles Riviera Country Club has not been kind to Woods. That said, this year, due to the Palisades wildfires, the event had to be moved to Torrey Pines, where Woods has won eight times in his career, making 2025 the best opportunity for Woods to win the event. Woods, though, was obviously unable to participate.
Woods has only finished in the top five at the event three times (1998, 1999, 2003). He finished second or tied for second in 1998 and 1999, while finishing tied for fifth in 2003. The closest Woods came to victory was 1998, when he lost a playoff to Billy Mayfair. The event that year was also not held at the Los Angeles Riviera Country Club, but rather the Valencia Country Club due to the Riviera hosting the U.S. Senior Open around that same time.
(This story was updated to include new information.)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tiger Woods arrives at Genesis with President Trump's granddaughter