Tiger Woods is heartbroken after the death of his mother

He wrote in a statement shared on X and Instagram: "It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning.

"My Mom was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable. She was quick with the needle and a laugh."

A cause of death has not been revealed.

Woods insisted his own "personal achievements" were only atainable with Kultida's support, while he thanked everyone for their "prayers and privacy".

He added: "She was my biggest fan, greatest supporter, without her none of my personal achievements would have been possible.

"She was loved by so many, but especially by her two grandchildren, Sam and Charlie.

"Thank you all for your support, prayers and privacy at this difficult time for me and my family.

"Love you Mom."

She was seen in the crowd just last week when Woods played against Rory McIlroy in the TGL.

Kultida reportedly met Earl Woods while he was in Thailand with the US Army in the late 1960s, and they were married until his death in 2006.

In June last year, Woods was given the prestigious Bob Jones award, and used his acceptance speech to pay an emotional tribute to his mother.

He said at the time: "My mom doesn't get enough credit.

"Everyone thought that it was my dad when I went on the road, which it was, but Mom was at home. If you don't know, Mom has been there my entire life.

"This award, I accept it in humbleness and just unbelievable regard for the past recipients, but I also accept it for my mommy, too.

"She allowed me to get here. She allowed me to do these things, chase my dreams, and the support and love - I didn't do this alone. I had the greatest rock that any child could possibly have: my mom. Thank you, Mommy."