Tiger Woods recently took a break from his PGA Tour preparations to enjoy a round of golf with former U.S. President Donald Trump at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. The Sunday morning game marked a casual and public outing between two longtime acquaintances, just days before Woods returns to tournament play for the first time since his last appearance at The Open.
Woods, a decorated champion at Torrey Pines and winner of the 2008 U.S. Open, is now preparing for the upcoming Genesis Invitational. Originally scheduled for Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, the tournament has been moved to the South Course at Torrey Pines due to the recent Palisades fire. Having not completed a full 72-hole tournament since the Masters nearly a year ago, Woods’ return is generating significant excitement among golf fans.Trump, who has maintained a visible presence in the golf world, is expected to attend the Super Bowl in New Orleans later the same day. His recent involvement in the sport has included meetings with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and player director Adam Scott to discuss progress in ongoing negotiations with the Saudi Public Investment Fund. While Woods was not officially listed as part of those talks, flight records indicate his jet arrived in Washington, D.C., around the same time—raising speculation about a quiet presence during the discussions.The PGA Tour later released a statement expressing appreciation for Trump’s efforts to support progress in the discussions. “We are grateful that [his] leadership has helped us get closer to a final agreement, opening the door for men’s professional golf to reunite,” the statement read.
Amid this busy time, Woods also shared deeply personal news. On Tuesday, he announced the passing of his mother, Kultida Woods, at the age of 80. In a heartfelt statement, he described her as a strong, loving, and inspirational force in his life. “My mom was a force of nature all her own… Without her, none of my accomplishments would’ve been possible,” Woods said.
Trump expressed his condolences on social media, honoring Kultida’s memory and extending thoughts to the Woods family. Over the years, Woods and Trump have shared a friendship rooted in their mutual interest in golf. In 2019, Trump awarded Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his legendary career and contributions to the sport.As Woods prepares to make his long-anticipated return to the PGA Tour, the spotlight is once again on one of golf’s most iconic figures—not only for his performance on the course but also for the personal strength he continues to display off it.