While Donald Trump is occupied with his election campaigns, Tiger Woods is resting after undergoing his sixth back surgery in September. Both share a deep love for golf, so it’s easy to imagine they’re missing the course. But fans are just as nostalgic for moments when these two showcase their bond.
Woods and Trump’s friendship is no secret to fans. Whether it’s teeing off together or engaging in casual banter, they have shared many moments on the course. For the uninformed, their relationship goes back, long before Trump was appointed as the 45th POTUS.
Both have high regard for each other, and this is something the two are very vocal about. Of all their moments together, there’s one that stands out for Woods. Back in 2019, Woods and 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus played a round with Trump in Jupiter, Florida.
Reflecting on that day, Woods said, “We just had a great time. I hadn’t played with Jack in a very long time. I played well that day; I shot 64, so I enjoyed the way I played. It was a great day to be able to play with our president and one of my idols.”
In 2017 as well, before Trump took office as the nation’s 45th president, he played a round with Woods. To say Woods was impressed would be an understatement. “For a person who’s 70 years old, he hits it hard. He can rip it and hit it,” Woods said at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles. The 15x major champion’s fascination with Trump’s s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s sure did not end here. Back in 2022, he mentioned on his website what he liked most about the former POTUS’s game; “What most impressed me was how far he hits the ball at 70 years old. He takes a pretty good lash.”
Woods is no stranger to sharing the course with political figures—he’s even played with former President Barack Obama. But his connection with Trump feels different, almost like he found a friend outside the world of golf.
Donald Trump once honored Woods in a unique way
We all know about Trump’s fascination with golf, but his admiration for Tiger Woods runs as deep. Trump once honored Woods by naming a villa after him. Woods was invited to Doral, Miami, to inaugurate the villa. After the inauguration, Trump said, “I have to say, on behalf of the Trump family, it’s my honor to name this the Tiger Woods Villa.”
The two have indeed maintained a long friendship. However, Trump’s involvement with LIV Golf puts them on different sides of the debate. Woods, a staunch PGA Tour supporter, is not quite in favor of the Saudi-funded league. Meanwhile, Trump has embraced LIV Golf, hosting several tournaments at his courses like at the Bedminster.
But despite these differences, their bond remains strong. Trump has always shown great faith in Woods’ talent, even predicting his return to major wins. In 2019, after playing a few rounds together at Trump National Jupiter, Trump tweeted, “Everyone is asking how Tiger played yesterday. The answer is great! Tiger is back & will be winning Majors again!”
While fans are eagerly waiting for their returns to the course, seeing them team up again would be the cherry on top. What do you think? Let us know in the comments!