Inside Donald Trump And Tiger Woods' Relationship

Tiger Woods has never shied away from his decades-long friendship with former President Donald Trump, and more details about their relationship have recently come to light.

Following Woods' near-fatal car crash Tuesday (Feb. 23) that left him with various leg injuries requiring surgery, Trump spoke to Fox News about his friend. "He's gonna be back, I have no doubt about it. He's gonna be back," following it up with, "He's overcome a lot... he's going to continue to have an incredible life... he'll recover from this" (via the New York Post). Apart from his well wishes, Trump also said Woods is "a wonderful person," so it is clear their friendship runs deep.

Trump and Woods have had a close relationship since 1997 when the golfer won his first Masters, even golfing together at least three times throughout Trump's presidency (via The Undefeated). In fact, when asked at the Northern Trust about his friendship with the former president, Woods said: "I've known Donald for a number of years... we've played golf together. We've had dinner together. I've known him pre-presidency and obviously during his presidency" (via Insider).

Notably, Woods sidestepped any mention of Trump's policies, which contrast against some of Woods' recent comments on the death of George Floyd. Woods continued, "[Trump is] the President of the United States. You have to respect the office. No matter who is in the office, you may like, dislike personality or the politics, but we all must respect the office."

Tiger Woods and Donald Trump's relationship stems from both of their connections to golf, with Woods arguably being the best golfer of all time and Trump an avid fan of the sport and owner of several courses. In fact, Woods is designing a Dubai golf course that will be managed by Trump's company (via The Undefeated).

Trump has stood by the star golfer throughout his ups and his downs, including Woods' infamous cheating scandal and DUI, and has tweeted several times cheering Woods on. When Woods won the Masters in 2019, Trump tweeted, "Love people who are great under pressure... What a fantastic life comeback for a really great guy!" (via the Golf Channel). Also, following Woods' comeback victory, Trump decided to honor him with the most important tribute in the country. In a tweet, Trump declared he would award the golf legend with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his "incredible success & comeback in sports... and, more importantly, life" (via ABC News).

Trump bestowed Woods with the honor in May 2019, and the former president still talks about the ceremony to this day. In his interview with Fox News following Woods' accident, Donald Trump said of the day, that "because it was Tiger, everyone wanted to be there." He continued, "[Woods] considered this one of the great honors of his life" (via RCP). Trump closed the interview with, "All I'd say to him is get better and get out there because we all miss him. We need Tiger" (via USA Today).