Tiger Woods’ late mother receives thoughtful tribute at Genesis Invitational

LA JOLLA, Calif. — Genesis Invitational officials are honoring the late Kultida Woods in a touching way.

This week, the par-4 7th hole will feature an all-white flagstick without logos, scripting, or other indicators, a direct tribute to Woods’ mother, who was from Thailand and practiced the Buddhist faith. The color white and the number seven are both significant aspects of the Buddhist religion. White represents purity, enlightenment, and knowledge. The two white ᵴtriƥes within the Thai flag symbolize Buddhism as well.

There are seven stages of awakening and seven fundamental elements in Buddhism, but the significance of this number does not end there. According to Buddhist mythology, the Buddha himself took seven steps immediately after his 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡, and following one’s death, the soul takes seven days to cross over into the next life.

It is impressive that tournament officials recognized these aspects of the Buddhist faith and applied them to this week’s tournament in a subtle yet thoughtful way.

The par-4 7th hole at Torrey Pines is significant as it relates to Woods and his career too. Woods captured the U.S. Open title on the 7th green in 2008, defeating Rocco Mediate in a 19-hole playoff on the Monday after the final round ended. The two players remained tied after 18 holes, so USGA officials sent them to the 7th hole to determine the winner. Mediate missed the fairway, hitting his tee ball in the left bunker. He then failed to save par. Woods, meanwhile, found the short grass off the tee, hit a 9-iron to 20 feet short of the pin, and then two-putted for par and his third U.S. Open victory. Many consider this victory the most impressive of Woods’ career, as he won the golf tournament on one leg.

Seventeen years later, this hole carries even more significance, recognizing his beloved mother, who was by his side every step of the way.