Tiger Woods sidesteps questions about his personal relationship with Donald Trump

An avid golfer, President Donald Trump owns many golf courses and resorts, both in the United States and abroad. PGA legend Tiger Woods has won several tournaments at the Trump National Doral resort in Miami

Tiger Woods received praise from President Donald Trump on Monday morning after sidestepping questions about immigration, race, and his personal relationship with the Commander in Chief on Sunday after finishing 40th at The US PGA Northern Trust tournament in New Jersey.   

‘The Fake News Media worked hard to get Tiger Woods to say something that he didn’t want to say,’ Trump wrote on Twitter. ‘Tiger wouldn’t play the game – he is very smart. more importantly, he is playing great golf again.’

The resurgent Woods – who has not won a tournament since 2013, but finished second at the PGA Championship last week – had been asked a question that referenced Trump’s controversial immigration policies.

‘At times, especially 2018, I think a lot of people, especially immigrants are threatened by him and his policy — what do you say to people who might find it interesting that you have a friendly relationship with him?’ a reporter asked Woods, according to USA Today. 

Woods did not take the bait.  

‘He’s the President of the United States,’ Woods said after finishing 40th overall. ‘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.’  

Just as he did with previous presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, Woods has played golf with Trump on several occasions, and the two have stayed in touch since the latter’s inauguration.

‘Well, I’ve known Donald for a number of years,’ Woods said. ‘We’ve played golf together. We’ve had dinner together. I’ve known him pre-presidency and obviously during his presidency.’

The President praised Woods for sidestepping questions about Trump's immigration policy

The President praised Woods for sidestepping questions about Trump’s immigration policy

Ivanka Trump, Tiger woods, Donald Trump and Eric Trump after the final round of the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship at the Trump Doral Golf Resort & Spa in 2013

Ivanka Trump, Tiger woods, Donald Trump and Eric Trump after the final round of the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship at the Trump Doral Golf Resort & Spa in 2013

Woods was also asked about racial relations in America, but he declined to give a response.

‘No,’ Woods said, ‘I just finished 72 holes and [I’m] really hungry.’

Woods was coming off an impressive runner-up finish at the PGA Championship, but struggled on Sunday before finishing with a 70 for the round, which left him 14 shots off the lead.

Bryson DeChambeau shot a 2-under 69 on Sunday to win his second tournament of the year. He finished 18-under overall.

Woods is not the only professional athlete to sidestep questions about his relationship with Trump.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has also played golf with Trump, and even went so far as to endorse his bid for presidency during the 2016 campaign. However, when asked in January of 2017 if he called to congratulate Trump on his victory, Brady balked: ‘Let’s talk about football.’

President George W. Bush visits with US Team player Tiger Woods during the Afternoon Four-Ball Matches for the 39th Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club on September 29, 2012 in Illinois

President George W. Bush visits with US Team player Tiger Woods during the Afternoon Four-Ball Matches for the 39th Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club on September 29, 2012 in Illinois

Captain's assistant Tiger Woods of the U.S. Team speaks to former U.S. President Barack Obama on the first tee during Thursday foursome matches of the Presidents Cup at Liberty National Golf Club on September 28, 2017 in Jersey City, New Jersey

Captain’s assistant Tiger Woods of the U.S. Team speaks to former U.S. President Barack Obama on the first tee during Thursday foursome matches of the Presidents Cup at Liberty National Golf Club on September 28, 2017 in Jersey City, New Jersey

Trump has had a more contentious relationship with other athletes – namely NFL players who he has condemned for protesting inequality and police brutality by refusing to stand during the national anthem.

Former NBA MVP winners LeBron James and Stephen Curry have both exchanged criticisms with Trump through traditional and social media as well.

Donald Trump the 45th president of the United States talks to USA vice captain Tiger Woods after the final round of the Presidents Cup at Liberty National Golf Club on September 30, 2017 in Jersey City

Donald Trump the 45th president of the United States talks to USA vice captain Tiger Woods after the final round of the Presidents Cup at Liberty National Golf Club on September 30, 2017 in Jersey City

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr have also publicly criticized Trump for everything from his response to gun violence to claims that the President has used race to divide the country.

However, unlike James and Curry – both of whom Trump has called out by name, specifically disinviting them from a potential White House visit – the President has not mentioned Popovich or Kerr publicly.

Trump has received many endorsements from current and former athletes, including boxer-turned-promoter Floyd Mayweather Jr., former Buffalo Bills offensive guard Rickie Incognito, former NFL coach Mike Ditka, and current Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

An avid golfer, Trump owns and operates many golf courses and resorts, both in the United States and abroad. 

In fact, Woods has won several tournaments at the Trump National Doral resort near Miami.

Barack Obama hosts the 2013 Presidents Cup team at the White House in 2013, including Tiger Woods, PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem (far left) and US golfer Zack Johnson (near left) 

Barack Obama hosts the 2013 Presidents Cup team at the White House in 2013, including Tiger Woods, PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem (far left) and US golfer Zack Johnson (near left) 

Woods was coming off an impressive runner-up finish at the PGA Championship, but struggled on Sunday before finishing with a 70 for the round, which left him 14 shots off the lead

Woods was coming off an impressive runner-up finish at the PGA Championship, but struggled on Sunday before finishing with a 70 for the round, which left him 14 shots off the lead

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