Tournament host Tiger Woods appeared at Torrey Pines accompanied by Donald Trump's granddaughter during the final round of the Genesis Invitational.
According to Golfweek, Woods made his first public appearance at the tournament after withdrawing due to the recent death of his mother Kultida, arriving at the South Course wearing his signature Sunday red underneath a black sweater.
The golf legend's presence at the tournament carried additional emotional weight as players showed their support by wearing red accessories and special pins bearing Kultida Woods' name.
Justin Thomas, one of Woods' closest friends on tour, greeted him with a heartfelt embrace at the practice range, where Woods observed players warming up.
The tournament took on a somber yet respectful tone as competitors paid tribute to Woods' late mother through their attire choices. Many participants incorporated touches of red into their wardrobes, while others opted to wear commemorative pins.
This collective gesture highlighted the deep respect the golfing community holds for both Tiger and his mother's influence on the sport.
Players and spectators alike demonstrated their support as Woods made his way through the course. Despite his initial withdrawal statement expressing he wasn't ready to compete, his presence as tournament host showed remarkable resilience. The event marked his first public appearance since announcing his mother's passing.
The atmosphere at Torrey Pines reflected both celebration and remembrance. Woods' decision to attend, even in a non-playing capacity, brought an additional layer of significance to the prestigious tournament. His appearance on PGA Tour Live's ESPN+ broadcast captured the emotional moments of his interactions with fellow professionals.
An unexpected aspect of Woods' appearance was the presence of Kai Trump, who accompanied him throughout the day. Their connection stems from a recent golf outing where Woods played with former President Donald Trump before the Super Bowl.
Given her recent commitment to play collegiate golf at Miami, the young Trump's presence at the event gained additional context.
The timing of Woods' appearance coincided with significant developments in professional golf. While he couldn't compete as planned, his role as tournament host remained crucial to the event's success. His presence provided moral support to the competitors while honoring his administrative responsibilities.
The decision to relocate the Genesis Invitational to Torrey Pines added another layer of significance to the tournament. The venue's selection as host for a second PGA Tour event in 2025 highlighted its growing importance in professional golf. Its accessibility to public players makes it a unique setting for such a prestigious tournament.
Tiger Woods withdrew from active participation in the Genesis Invitational 2025 following the passing of his mother Kultida Woods. Despite his initial statement expressing unreadiness to compete, he fulfilled his duties as tournament host by appearing at Torrey Pines during the final round.
His presence, accompanied by Kai Trump and marked by emotional reunions with fellow players, demonstrated both personal resilience and professional commitment while the golf community united to honor his mother's memory through symbolic gestures of red attire and commemorative pins.
