After nearly two weeks of mourning, Tiger Woods made his first public appearance on Sunday, stepping onto the golf course in California alongside 17-year-old Kai Trump.
The golf legend, who has kept a low profile since the passing of his mother, Kultida, surfaced at a PGA Tour event, marking his first outing since her death.
Withdrawing from Competition to Grieve
Woods had originally planned to compete in the Genesis Invitational this week, a tournament closely tied to his foundation.
However, he ultimately decided to withdraw, sharing on social media that he simply wasn’t ready.
“I planned to tee it up this week, but I’m just not ready,” he expressed, adding that while he tried to prepare, he was still coming to terms with his loss.
His decision to skip the event left fans wondering if he would make any public appearance at all, but true to his word, Woods showed up at Torrey Pines on Sunday, dressed in his signature red and dark sunglasses, walking toward the clubhouse with Kai Trump by his side.
A Familiar Face on the Course
Kai Trump, granddaughter of former President Donald Trump, has been a noticeable presence throughout the tournament.
She was seen earlier in the week walking the course with Rory McIlroy during a practice round and returned again on Sunday, this time alongside Woods.
Though visibly somber, Woods’ appearance reassured fans that he is beginning to ease back into the public sphere.
Despite the heavy emotions, he found a way to return to the sport that has defined his life, even if only as a spectator for now.
A Private Round with the Trumps
Though Woods largely stayed out of the public eye over the past two weeks, he did manage to play a quiet round of golf last Sunday.
He joined Donald Trump and his son, Charlie Woods, for a practice session away from the cameras.
While Trump quickly jetted off to New Orleans for the Super Bowl, Woods remained at his Florida home, continuing to process his grief in private.
A Bond That Stood the Test of Time
Woods shared an incredibly close bond with his mother, Kultida.
She was there for his greatest triumphs, from his breakthrough Masters win in 1997 to his dominance of the sport for over a decade.
She also stood by his side during some of his most challenging moments, including his well-publicized personal struggles that led to the loss of major sponsorships and his first marriage.
Her recent presence at one of his TGL matches against Rory McIlroy on January 27 made her passing even more poignant.
Just weeks ago, she had been cheering him on, a reminder of how deeply she supported his career until the very end.
Kai Trump’s Rising Golf Career
While Woods navigates his return to public life, Kai Trump is preparing for her next big chapter.
The talented young golfer is set to attend the University of Miami, where she will continue developing her skills at one of the country’s top golf programs.
Even before officially beginning her college career, Kai has already made waves in the golf world.
Reports indicate that she holds a $1.2 million NIL valuation, an impressive figure considering she has yet to play a single collegiate round.
Kai, currently a senior at The Benjamin School in North Palm Beach, shared her excitement about her future last year, announcing her commitment to Miami and expressing gratitude to her parents for their support.
What’s Next for Woods?
With his mother’s passing still weighing heavily on him, it remains unclear when Woods will return to professional competition.
His focus appears to be on healing and spending time with family for now.
Whether he chooses to re-enter the tour in the coming months or take an extended break, fans will be watching closely, eager to see the next chapter of his legendary career unfold.
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