On Thursday, golf legend Tiger Woods appeared with Donald Trump during a White House ceremony as part of a Black History Month celebration.
Woods had joined Trump, as well as PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and player director Adam Scott, at the White House, in what was believed to be related to the ongoing divide caused by Saudi Arabian-backed LIV Golf. But Trump and Woods have a longstanding relationship, well beyond their appearance. So what is Woods’ political affiliation?
Why It Matters
Woods’ relationship with Trump has drawn public attention for several years. Woods’ appearance at the White House reignited discussions about his political views, especially given Trump’s continued influence in both political and golfing circles, including his ties to LIV Golf. According to The New York Times, Trump has been working “to repair the divide between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.”
Since LIV Golf debuted in June 2022, it has nabbed some of the PGA Tour’s top players. The PGA Tour, PIF, and DP World Tour reached an agreement in June 2023, but it later expired because of Justice Department antitrust concerns. The PGA Tour secured a $1.5 billion investment from Strategic Sports Group, a consortium led by Fenway Sports, in early 2024, in an effort to stabilize its future.
Tiger Woods’ Political Views: What We Know
Lifelong champion Woods has mostly remained neutral on national and international politics.
Though the full scope of his political views remains unclear, Woods has maintained a positive relationship with Trump for over two decades.
Back in August 2018, after Woods was pressed about his friendship with Trump and his policies, ESPN reported that he said: “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.”
When a reporter asked Woods if he could expand on the state of race relations in the country, he deflected.
To that, Trump responded on X, formerly Twitter, and said: “The Fake News Media worked hard to get Tiger Woods to say something that he didn’t want to say. Tiger wouldn’t play the game – he is very smart. More importantly, he is playing great golf again!”
While some view Woods’ approach as apolitical, others interpret Woods’ relationship with Trump as indicative of certain political leanings. However, Woods has never publicly endorsed a political candidate and continues to focus primarily on his golf career and philanthropy.
Donald Trump and Tiger Woods: Relationship Timeline
Woods and Trump have shared a passion for golf. According to The New York Times, Woods has played multiple rounds of golf with Trump, both before and during Trump’s first presidency.
Further, Woods’ son Charlie is expected to play golf in the 2025 Junior Invitational in South Carolina next month. Trump’s granddaughter, Kai is also playing in the women’s field at the same event.
The Woods-Trump friendship began in the early 2000s when Woods participated in events at Trump-owned golf courses. During Trump’s presidency, they were frequently seen golfing together at Trump International Golf Club in Florida.
Trump has praised Woods’ accomplishments, particularly during a May 2019 ceremony when Woods first received the Presidential Medal of Freedom following his Masters Tournament victory.
Trump has also publicly admired Woods’ ability to overcome challenges, including injuries and his high-profile car accident. Back in February 2021, Woods was involved in a single-car accident in California. His vehicle veered off the road and rolled over, causing injuries to his legs. Woods underwent multiple surgeries afterward and it temporarily halted his golf career.
During this time, Trump sent the golfer well wishes. Fox News reported that Trump said he has “overcome a lot, but he’s had an incredible life and he’s going to continue to have an incredible life. But now he’ll recover from this – it’s pretty bad on the legs, I understand. He’ll figure a way, but he’s a wonderful person.”
At the White House on Thursday, Woods delivered brief remarks at the event after the crowd chanted his name to encourage him to speak.
“It’s an honor to be here with you, Mr. President, and to be here with all of you,” he said, gesturing to the crowd. “Thank you so much.”
What is Tiger Woods’ background?
Tiger Woods, born Eldrick Tont Woods in 1975, is a professional golfer widely regarded as one of the greatest in the sport’s history. With African American, Thai, Chinese, and Native American ancestry, Woods began playing golf at an early age. He went professional in 1996 at age 20. One year later, Woods became the youngest person and first African American to win the Masters. He’s credited with breaking barriers and increasing the sport’s global popularity.
Off the course, Woods is known for his philanthropic efforts as co-founder of the TGR Foundation, which provides educational opportunities for underserved youth.
As the 2025 political landscape unfolds, future interactions between Woods and Trump could draw attention, given Trump’s ongoing presence in both politics and the golf industry.
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