Tiger Woods has publicly confirmed his relationship with Vanessa Trump, the former daughter-in-law of Donald Trump. The legendary golfer made the announcement on social media, sharing his excitement about their future together.
Woods took to X, where he has 6.4 million followers, to share the news. “Love is in the air and life is better with you by my side! We look forward to our journey through life together,” he posted. “At this time, we would appreciate privacy for all those close to our hearts.”
Vanessa Trump was previously married to Donald Trump Jr. from 2005 to 2018. The former couple has five children, including 17-year-old Kai, who is set to play golf at the University of Miami in 2026. Kai currently attends the same school as Woods’s children, Sam and Charlie, and recently competed alongside Charlie at a prestigious invitational tournament.
A Relationship Under Public Scrutiny
Speculation about Woods and Vanessa Trump’s relationship had been swirling for weeks, fueled by reports in various gossip outlets. The official confirmation comes at an interesting time for Woods, who recently announced that he ruptured his Achilles tendon, forcing him to withdraw from the upcoming Masters tournament.
Although Woods is known for being highly private about his personal life, his decision to publicly acknowledge the relationship marks a significant moment. This move echoes his 2013 announcement with Lindsey Vonn, when he revealed their relationship to the public in an attempt to control media speculation and protect his family from intrusive paparazzi.
A History of High-Profile Relationships
Woods was previously married to Elin Nordegren, with whom he shares his two children, Sam and Charlie. Their marriage ended in 2010 following revelations of Woods’s multiple extramarital affairs. Since then, Woods has only had one other publicly confirmed relationship, with Erica Herman, which lasted for nearly seven years before ending in a contentious split in 2022. Herman had filed lawsuits against Woods and the trust that owns his Florida estate, but she later dropped the legal actions.
Ties to the Trump Family
Woods’s connection to the Trump family extends beyond his new relationship. He has played golf with Donald Trump on multiple occasions and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Trump in 2019. In February 2025, Woods attended a meeting with Trump at the White House, reportedly to discuss the ongoing divide in professional golf caused by the emergence of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour.
Vanessa Trump, meanwhile, has remained largely out of the public eye since her divorce from Donald Trump Jr. However, she continues to co-parent their five children, with golf seemingly becoming a significant part of their lives. Kai’s involvement in competitive golf and her shared school experience with Woods’s children may have played a role in bringing Woods and Vanessa together.
Managing Media Attention
The couple’s decision to go public appears to be a strategic move to control the narrative and limit media speculation. Woods’s 2013 statement about his relationship with Lindsey Vonn highlighted his desire to protect his loved ones from aggressive paparazzi and sensationalist reporting. His latest announcement suggests a similar motivation.
Woods has had a turbulent relationship with the media since his infamous scandal in 2009. While he has since rebuilt his career and reputation, he remains selective about what aspects of his personal life he chooses to share. By taking control of this narrative, Woods and Vanessa Trump may be attempting to minimize unwanted attention and speculation.
Looking Ahead
As Woods recovers from his Achilles injury, his fans will be eager to see how his personal and professional life unfolds. His confirmation of this high-profile relationship adds another layer of public interest to his already closely watched career. Meanwhile, Vanessa Trump’s connection to both the Trump family and the golf world will likely keep the couple in the spotlight for the foreseeable future.
For now, Woods has made it clear that he values privacy and intends to navigate this new chapter on his own terms. With their shared connection to golf and their blended families, Woods and Vanessa Trump are stepping into the public eye as a couple, prepared for whatever comes next.
