Charlie Woods, the 16-year-old son of golf icon Tiger Woods, left fans stunned and emotional during a recent interview when he broke down in tears while speaking about his late grandmother, Kultida Woods. The young golfer, already making waves in the sport, opened up about the profound impact “Tida” had on his ambition to become a professional golfer, sharing tender memories of her support and unique gestures that fueled his dreams. Kultida passed away on February 4, 2025, and with her loss still raw, Charlie’s heartfelt words have resonated deeply, revealing a grandmother whose love and encouragement shaped his journey in ways few could have imagined.
A sophomore at The Benjamin School in Florida, Charlie has grown up under the weight of his father’s legacy, impressing with his skill and determination. But in a candid moment after a practice round on April 3, 2025, he peeled back the layers of his public persona. “She was everything to me,” Charlie said, his voice breaking as tears spilled out. “Grandma always knew how to make me feel like I could do anything. She’d sit with me for hours, telling me stories about Dad’s early days, and then she’d sneak me these little notes before tournaments, things like ‘Swing brave, Charlie’ or ‘You’ve got this.’” He paused to wipe his eyes, visibly moved by the rush of nostalgia.
Kultida Woods was a towering figure in the Woods family, often hailed by Tiger as the rock behind his own storied career. For Charlie, she was a beacon of strength and a link to his dad’s past. “She’d bake these amazing cookies, and every time I’d visit, she’d pack me a batch with a golf tip scribbled on the bag,” he recalled with a soft smile. “Once, she wrote, ‘Keep your head down like your dad, but swing like it’s yours.’ I still have that note, it’s in my golf bag right now.” His words hushed the room, underscoring how Kultida’s small gestures ignited his love for golf.
Charlie’s tribute comes as he stands at a crossroads in his young career. After helping his high school team win a state title in 2023 and teaming with Tiger at the PNC Championship, he’s forging his own legacy. Losing Kultida just before his 16th birthday on February 8 has deepened his drive. “She always said I’d make her proud one day,” he said, voice shaky. “I want to be a pro golfer, not just for me or Dad, but for her. She believed in me even when I didn’t.” Tears fell as he described her watching his junior events through binoculars, cheering quietly to keep him focused.
The interview lit up social media, with fans touched by Charlie’s vulnerability. “Seeing Charlie cry about his grandma hits hard, shows how much she meant to him,” one X user posted. Another added, “Kultida’s legacy lives on in this kid. What a story.” The response highlights Charlie’s growing appeal, not just as Tiger’s heir, but as a talent with heart. Tiger, who called Kultida “a force of nature” in his own statement, reportedly embraced Charlie tightly after the cameras stopped rolling.
As Charlie brushes away tears and looks ahead, Kultida’s influence remains palpable. Her notes, cookies, and quiet faith aren’t just memories, they’re the bedrock of his aspirations. With every shot, he honors her belief in him, chasing a pro career that could one day echo his father’s greatness. The golf world is captivated, watching a teen whose emotional outpouring reveals the soul of a future star.
