Tiger Woods was back at TGL’s SoFi Center arena for the first time since his mother’s death on Tuesday, and he opened up on his emotions as he returned to the place she last saw him play

Tiger Woods opened up on the emotional turmoil of returning to the TGL’s SoFi Center for the first time since his mother’s sudden death.

The arena in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida was the last place Kultida Woods saw her son play. Tiger’s “rock” had cheered him on at two TGL matches last month, but she died suddenly at the age of 80 on Feb. 4.

Her passing led to Woods pulling out of the PGA Tour event he hosts, the Genesis Invitational, last week, but he returned to action for TGL’s match between Jupiter Links and New York on Tuesday.

At his postgame press conference after a 10-3 defeat, the 49-year-old admitted it had been a deeply challenging day, but he shared his gratitude that “Tida” was able to watch him play in the tech-powered league he co-founded with Rory McIlroy.

“I think that she really enjoyed watching me play,” Woods said. “It was awesome to have her in the stands and watching us play and having the kids here and family and friends. It was a great moment. I’m definitely appreciative of her being here.

“I had a hard time driving down here. I hadn’t hit a golf ball since I played with the President and just put everything away and shut it off. I had a really hard time getting here and then reliving all the moments that we’ve had, my mom, how excited she was to have [her grandson] Charlie drive her here. So those are some great moments and great memories. It’s been a hard process.”

Woods has taken comfort from his children, Charlie and Sam, being able to watch him more often since TGL launched last month. He said: “I think that they enjoy it, seeing their dad play and compete out there, because at a normal event, you’re not going to be that close and not going to have the sights and the sounds that you normally would have at most sporting events.

“Most sporting events you sit in the stands and you watch the players play. In our sport, the gallery probably walks more than we do.”

Announcing his mother’s death earlier this month, 15-time major champion Woods said she played a defining role in all of his achievements. “It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning,” he wrote.

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