As Tiger Woods gears up for his much-anticipated return to the PGA Tour, the golf icon took a moment to hit the course with former President Donald Trump in South Florida.
The duo teed off on Sunday morning at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, with multiple reports, including confirmation from the White House, covering the event. This golf outing comes just days before Woods is set to compete at Torrey Pines in his first official PGA Tour appearance since The Open.
Meanwhile, Trump is expected to attend the Super Bowl in New Orleans later that evening, adding another major event to his busy schedule.
Woods, who has won eight times at Torrey Pines—including his legendary 2008 U.S. Open victory—will head to San Diego for next week’s Genesis Invitational. Originally scheduled to be held at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, the tournament was relocated to Torrey Pines’ South Course due to the recent Palisades fire. Woods has not completed a full 72-hole tournament since last April’s Masters.
Tiger Woods’ name has also come up in recent discussions about the ongoing negotiations between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Last week, Trump met with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and player director Adam Scott in Washington, D.C., to discuss the future of professional golf. Although the Tour’s official statement did not mention Woods’ presence, flight-tracking data indicated that his private jet landed at Dulles Airport on Monday night before departing for Florida early the next morning.
A follow-up PGA Tour statement expressed gratitude for Trump’s role in advancing the negotiations. “We are thankful that [Trump’s] leadership has brought us closer to a final deal, paving the way for reunification of men’s professional golf,” the statement read.
Amidst his packed schedule, Woods also shared some heartbreaking personal news. On Tuesday, he announced the passing of his mother, Kultida Woods, at the age of 80.
“My mom was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply irrefutable,” Woods said in an emotional statement. “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.”
Trump, a longtime friend of Woods, expressed his condolences on social media, offering his support during this difficult time.
“I was just informed that Tiger Woods’ great mother, Kultida, passed away—she has gone onto greener fairways!” Trump wrote. “Kultida Woods was an amazing influence on Tiger and gave him much of his strength and brilliance. Melania and I send our love and prayers to Tiger and his incredible family!”
Trump and Woods share a well-documented friendship, having played golf together numerous times. In 2019, Trump awarded Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom, honoring his remarkable contributions to the sport.\