Tiger Woods Returns to TGL Action Following Mother’s Passing but Falls Short in Tough Loss
Tiger Woods made an emotional return to competitive golf on Tuesday night, just weeks after the passing of his mother, Kultida Woods. Competing in a TGL indoor team match in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Woods joined his Jupiter Links GC teammates Kevin Kisner and Tom Kim. However, their night ended in disappointment as they were defeated 10-3 by New York GC in a one-sided contest.
Woods had been absent from competition since his mother’s death on February 4 at the age of 80. She had been present for his TGL debut just eight days earlier, making her passing all the more difficult for the 15-time major champion. Woods had also withdrawn from last week’s Genesis Invitational as he continued to grieve.
Reflecting on his mother’s support, Woods spoke fondly of her presence at his first TGL appearance.
“She loved watching me play. Having her in the stands that night was special. It’s been a tough time since. I haven’t thought much about golf, and honestly, I’m still not sure when I’ll fully get back into it,” Woods said.
Despite the personal challenges, Woods took to the simulator course alongside Kisner and Kim. Their opponents—Rickie Fowler, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Cameron Young—dominated the match from the start, racing to an 8-0 lead through the first eight holes. Jupiter Links didn’t register their first points until the ninth hole, but by then, the match was virtually decided. New York GC secured their first win of the season, improving to 1-2, while Jupiter Links dropped to 1-2.
While Woods showed flashes of his legendary shot-making, he also experienced one of the more humorous and awkward moments of his career. On the 13th hole, a miscommunication with his caddie led to Woods hitting a shot meant to travel 199 yards only 100 yards, leaving him red-faced as his teammates laughed.
“That was one of the most embarrassing moments of my golfing career,” Woods admitted with a smile.
“I just screwed up. It happens.”
The lighthearted nature of TGL, an innovative indoor golf league designed to attract younger fans with fast-paced play and playful banter, allowed Woods to enjoy moments of laughter despite the loss. He fed off the comedic energy of Kisner, known for his quick wit, and seemed more relaxed compared to his tense debut weeks earlier.
The winning side, led by Fowler, relished the result after starting the season with two losses.
“That was a lot more fun than the last two matches,” Fowler joked.
Kisner, staying true to the league’s playful spirit, added:
“We’re here for the entertainment.”
The six-team league, co-founded by Woods and Rory McIlroy, is still in its inaugural season, aiming to modernize golf by mixing elite competition with a casual, trash-talking atmosphere. While Woods’ focus remains on his family and personal recovery, his return to TGL provided a glimpse of his ongoing commitment to shaping the future of the sport—both on and off the course.
