Fans watching The Genesis Invitational didn’t get to see Tiger Woods tee off at the event he has hosted for years. However, those tuning into the final round on Sunday had the opportunity to hear Woods in the CBS broadcast booth alongside Jim Nantz and Trevor Immelman. Although Woods has been prominently featured in his company’s new indoor golf league, TGL, in partnership with the PGA Tour, he hasn’t competed in a PGA Tour event since the 2024 Open Championship last July.
That was set to change this week when he initially announced plans to compete in The Genesis Invitational. Unfortunately, those plans shifted following the death of his mother, Kultida Woods, earlier this month. This loss weighed heavily on Woods’ mind during the broadcast, as he called the past few weeks a “tough process to go through,” remarking that his late mother was a “rock” throughout his illustrious career.
“Yeah, it has been a tough process to go through. But I have had amazing family support. All of the players have reached out that were playing here this week. The amount of texts, emails, and nice messages of support I got has really helped and it really meant a lot to me. Mom was my rock, you know. My Dad worked at McDonald Douglas at that time working on the Delta rocket. And Mom would take me to every junior event here in Southern California. Whether it was nine holes out in Riverside and San Bernardino, she would drive out there, keep score, and walk every hole. She tracked how many putts I hit, fairways I hit, and greens I hit. Those days led us to this point. She was hard on me about school, making sure I got good grades. If I didn’t finish my homework, I didn’t get to play. School came before any sport I was playing. She meant everything to me, and losing her has been a very hard and difficult process.”
“My mom was my rock. She meant everything to me.”
Tiger Woods on the passing of his beloved mother, Kultida Woods. pic.twitter.com/3FQYrCc9Bk
— Golf on CBS ⛳ (@GolfonCBS) February 16, 2025
Despite still grieving his mother’s passing, Woods provided insightful analysis alongside Nantz and Immelman during the final moments of the round, helping viewers read a putt from Scottie Scheffler on the 18th hole.
Tiger Woods gives us insight on Scottie Scheffler’s putt on the 18th. pic.twitter.com/otQ5ijp8AS
— Golf on CBS ⛳ (@GolfonCBS) February 16, 2025
Woods later spoke about his close relationship with Justin Thomas, a player he has mentored in the latter half of his career, describing him as “like a little brother.”
“JT’s like my little brother.”
Tiger Woods on his relationship with Justin Thomas pic.twitter.com/jHwlY39ti5
— Golf on CBS ⛳ (@GolfonCBS) February 16, 2025
Even after stepping away from the broadcast booth, Woods remained a significant presence during the CBS broadcast. After Justin Thomas completed his round, Woods met him and his newborn daughter for the first time.
Tiger meets Justin Thomas’ daughter ❤️ pic.twitter.com/qJCSqpGkiu
— Golf on CBS ⛳ (@GolfonCBS) February 16, 2025
Jim Nantz later paid tribute to Woods during his commentary on Ludvig Åberg’s birdie putt on the 18th hole, exclaiming, “Oh yes, Ludvig Åberg takes Tiger’s tournament!”
“Oh yes! Ludvig Åberg takes Tiger’s tournament!” – Jim Nantz ⛳️🎙️pic.twitter.com/SoTPlMp0Ll
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 16, 2025
Åberg then walked out with Woods to partake in the trophy ceremony on the 18th green.
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Ludvig Åberg wins the Genesis Invitational here at Torrey Pines. He walks out with Tiger Woods for the trophy ceremony on the 18th green | @CBS8 pic.twitter.com/iuVkTZOuQU
— Jake Garegnani (@JakeGaregnani) February 16, 2025
Despite not being able to compete consistently, Woods remains the most significant figure in golf. His presence in the CBS broadcast booth is always a welcome sight, even though many golf fans had hoped to see him competing instead.
