A frequent presence in her son’s public life, she stood by his side during a period of scandal that took him away from golf.

Tiger Woods announces the passing of his mother, Kultida Woods, at 81, honoring her as his biggest supporter and lifelong inspiration.

Kultida Woods, who was from Thailand, met Tiger's father, Earl, during the Vietnam War. They moved to New York and married in 1969 before settling in California. The 15-time major winner's father died in 2006. The two were married for 37 years.