Tiger Woods, the golfing legend, delivered an emotional tribute to his mother, Kultida Woods, at the 2024 Bob Jones Award ceremony, held on Tuesday night at the Carolina Hotel in Pinehurst. The United States Golf Association’s (USGA) highest honor was presented to Woods, marking another significant milestone in his illustrious career.
The Prelude to the Award
When Mark Steinberg, Woods’ agent, received the news about the award, he sought a family member to introduce Woods at the ceremony. However, none of Woods’ loved ones felt they could follow the memorable speech delivered by Woods’ daughter, Sam, during his 2022 induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Consequently, renowned broadcaster Mike Tirico, a longtime chronicler of Woods’ career, took on the task.
The Ceremony
Tirico’s opening remarks highlighted Woods’ dominance on the golf course and his charitable contributions through the TGR Foundation. USGA CEO Mike Whan then presented Woods with the award, a bronze figurine of Bob Jones.
Woods, known for his comfort in front of large audiences, delivered a warm and humorous acceptance speech. He opened with a playful remark from his son, Charlie: “Charlie just said, don’t let my head get too big.” This set the tone for a heartfelt address attended by his mother, Kultida, and his children, Sam and Charlie.
Tribute to Bob Jones
Woods spoke about the influence of Bob Jones, whom he described as “the greatest amateur that ever lived.” He recounted his early years, when his calendar revolved around the U.S. Junior Amateur and later the U.S. Amateur, emphasizing the significance of these events in his career.
Heartfelt Tribute to His Mother
The most touching part of Woods’ speech was his tribute to his mother, Kultida. He acknowledged her pivotal role in his success, often overshadowed by the presence of his father, Earl.
“My mom doesn’t get enough credit,” Woods said, directly addressing Kultida. “Everyone thought that it was my dad when I went on the road, which it was, but Mom was at home. If you don’t know, Mom has been there my entire life.”
The Role of Kultida Woods
Kultida Woods played a crucial role in Tiger’s development. She was the one who drove him to junior events in Southern California, instilling toughness and drive in him. She supported him through his major wins, often seen in the background wearing her signature wide-brim hats. Woods fondly recalled her presence at the 2019 Masters, where she cheered him on from the clubhouse.
Emotional Conclusion
Woods concluded his speech with a reflection on his mother’s support during his career’s most critical moments. He reminisced about winning his last U.S. Amateur at Pumpkin Ridge, where his mother attended for the first time.
“I look back at the stopwatch that started back in 1990, and especially in ’96,” Woods said. “Mom never came to any of my Juniors. Mom never came to one of my Amateurs. She was wearing her Stanford shirt there at Pumpkin Ridge, and she was there for the first time. Now imagine if I had lost the damn thing, right? But when I made that winning putt, who was the first person that I hugged? Right, Mommy? It was you.”
Woods’ final words were a poignant tribute to his mother’s unwavering support: “This award, I accept it in humbleness and just unbelievable regard for the past recipients, but I also accept it for my mommy, too. She allowed me to get here. She allowed me to do these things, chase my dreams, and the support and love — I didn’t do this alone. I had the greatest rock that any child could possibly have: my mom. Thank you, Mommy.”
Conclusion
Tiger Woods’ heartfelt tribute to his mother at the 2024 Bob Jones Award ceremony underscores the profound influence of familial support in achieving greatness. This touching acknowledgment not only celebrates his illustrious career but also highlights the vital role his mother played in his journey to the pinnacle of golf.
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