NEW YORK — Tiger Woods has confirmed his relationship with the former daughter-in-law of President Donald Trump, publishing two images to social media in a post that said, "Love is in the air." Woods and Vanessa Trump, who was married to Donald Trump Jr., had been seen at Torrey Pines in San Diego along with her daughter, Kai, when Woods arrived for the final round to hand out the trophy to the winner of the Genesis Invitational. He is the tournament host. Kai Trump goes to the Benjamin School with Woods' two children, Sam and Charlie. She and Charlie competed on an invitation at a high-profile junior golf tournament this week.
"Love is in the air and life is better with you by my side! We look forward to our journey through life together," Woods said on X, where he has 6.4 million followers. He added: "At this time, we would appreciate privacy for all those close to our hearts." One photo shows Woods and Vanessa Trump posing together, another with them lying in a hammock with her arm draped across his chest as he gazes skyward.
Woods and Vanessa Trump had been featured in gossip outlets for the last several weeks. She was married to Donald Trump Jr. for 12 years and shared five children with him. Woods announced on March 11 that he ruptured his left Achilles tendon, knocking him out of the Masters and likely out for the rest of the year. It was not clear what prompted Woods, who keeps his personal life fiercely private, to publish the photos confirming the relationship. It was reminiscent of 2013 when he and Lindsey Vonn both posted photos to confirm they were dating, citing the desire to limit media intrusion.
With Woods’ past relationships, including a high-profile divorce in 2010 from Elin Nordegren after revelations of infidelity, the news of his new romance brings a complex narrative. His relationship with Erica Herman lasted about seven years until he ended it in October 2022, and it was a turbulent breakup that included lawsuits.
In an interesting twist, Vanessa's children were involved in the same junior golf event as Woods' son. Recently, the duo's shared life as parents and their involvement in youth sports formed a foundation for their relationship, allowing them to bond over golf while maintaining a shared commitment to family.
Woods' confirmation of the romance comes shortly after his son Charlie Woods, who is 16, and Vanessa’s daughter, Kai Trump, 17, participated in the Junior Invitational at South Carolina's Sage Valley Golf Club.
The professional golfer had previously visited the White House for a Black History Month celebration in February 2025, where President Biden lauded him for his contributions to the sport of golf. The recognition included being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019.
As Woods and Vanessa Trump embark on this new chapter, they both seek to maintain a level of privacy amidst the spotlight of public interest. Fans and media alike have expressed intrigue over their relationship, which intertwines politics, family connections, and sports culture.
While speculation remains about the depth of their relationship, Woods’ declaration of love and Vanessa’s support through their mutual engagements in their children’s activities paint a picture of a partnership rooted in shared experiences. As they navigate their public personas, the couple aims to carve out a personal space together, prioritizing their family amidst the challenges that high-profile relationships often entail.
With the marginal pressures of celebrity and familial expectations looming, both Woods and Trump appear committed to nurturing their bond while respecting their children's needs and desires. This newfound relationship is not simply a glamorous headline; it is a poignant reminder of the dynamics of love and family in the midst of public scrutiny.
