Golf legend Tiger Woods and Vanessa Trump, the former daughter-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump, have officially confirmed their romantic relationship, putting an end to weeks of speculation. The announcement came via a heartfelt social media post from Woods on Sunday, March 23, marking a rare public glimpse into the notoriously private golfer’s personal life.
Woods, 49, shared two photos of the couple on X and Instagram, accompanied by a caption that read, “Love is in the air and life is better with you by my side! We look forward to our journey through life together. At this time we would appreciate privacy for all those close to our hearts.” The images show the pair cozying up—one standing side by side with arms around each other, and another lounging together on a hammock, exuding a sense of contentment.
Vanessa Trump, 47, the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr., reposted Woods’ message on her Instagram Stories, further solidifying their status as a couple. The announcement follows reports from earlier this month that the two had been quietly dating since around Thanksgiving 2024, with their relationship blossoming from a friendship rooted in their shared connection as parents.
Their children—Woods’ son Charlie, 16, and daughter Sam, 17, from his marriage to Elin Nordegren, and Vanessa’s daughter Kai, 17, from her marriage to Donald Trump Jr.—attend the same school, The Benjamin School in Palm Beach. Charlie and Kai, both promising junior golfers, recently competed together in a tournament, sparking initial rumors about their parents’ closeness. Vanessa and Kai were also spotted supporting Woods at his Genesis Invitational and a TGL match in recent weeks, adding fuel to the speculation.
The news has drawn attention not only for its high-profile nature but also for Woods’ uncharacteristic openness. Known for fiercely guarding his personal life—especially after his highly publicized 2010 divorce from Nordegren following a scandal involving multiple affairs—Woods has rarely commented on his relationships. His most recent public romance, with Erica Herman, ended in a messy split in October 2022, complete with legal disputes that were later dropped.
Vanessa Trump, meanwhile, was married to Donald Trump Jr. from 2005 to 2018, with whom she shares five children. Since their divorce, she has maintained a low profile, occasionally appearing alongside the Trump family at events like the 2024 Republican National Convention and the January 2025 inauguration of President Donald Trump. Sources have indicated that Donald Trump Jr. is supportive of his ex-wife’s new relationship, with one insider telling Page Six, “As long as Tiger treats Vanessa and their kids with respect, he’s good with it.”
The timing of the announcement coincides with a challenging period for Woods professionally. Earlier this month, he revealed he had ruptured his left Achilles tendon while training, necessitating surgery and ruling him out of the upcoming Masters tournament, set to begin April 10. The injury, which occurred at his Florida home, has left his return to the PGA Tour uncertain, though he has continued to engage with the sport through his TGL indoor golf league, co-founded with Rory McIlroy.
Reaction to the couple’s announcement has been swift and varied. Ivanka Trump, Vanessa’s former sister-in-law, commented on Woods’ post, writing, “So happy for you both!” followed by heart emojis, signaling familial approval. Fans and followers have expressed a mix of surprise and support, with some noting Woods’ strategic move to share the news himself, likely to preempt paparazzi speculation—a tactic he has employed in the past.
Woods and Vanessa’s relationship also ties into the golfer’s longstanding connection with the Trump family. He has played golf with President Trump on multiple occasions, including a round last month, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Trump in 2019. Despite his injury, Woods met with Trump at the White House in February to discuss the ongoing rift in professional golf amid the rise of the Saudi-backed LIV Tour.