Tiger Woods and Vanessa Trump are said to be taking their relationship slowly. This development comes as both have maintained relatively private personal lives in recent years, despite their connections to high-profile circles.
A source close to the pair has told People the relationship between the golfer, 49, and US President Donald Trump’s former daughter-in-law, 47, is “very casual” – adding the pair have bonded over their children’s shared passion for golf. The sport has long been central to Woods’ life, with his professional career spanning over two decades and including multiple major championship victories.
“Their kids are going places in golf and both very disciplined about the sport. They have that in common,” Vanessa’s daughter, Kai, 17, and Tiger’s son, Charlie, 16, are both rising stars in the sport, and the insider said. Young Charlie has already gained attention for his striking similarity to his father’s golf swing, while Kai has been recognized as one of the top junior female golfers in her age group.
Vanessa, who has kids Kai and son Donald III, 16, with ex-husband Donald Trump Jr., has long been drawn to high-profile figures, according to a second source. Her previous marriage connected her to one of America’s most prominent families, with her former father-in-law serving as the President of the United States.
“Vanessa has always gone for guys who are either well known or have something big going for them,” they added to People. “She is comfortable with that, but she’s not a woman who wants to be in the limelight. Despite her connections to famous personalities, Vanessa has maintained a relatively low public profile compared to other members of the Trump family.
“She is not a shrinking violet but is discreet and smart and a good mother. That has come first in her life.” This focus on family aligns with her reputation for prioritizing her children’s wellbeing above all else.
A third source said Vanessa, like Tiger, is “interested in charity work” and remains focused on her children while navigating the new romance. Woods established his foundation years ago, which has provided educational opportunities to underserved youth across America.
The pair have been quietly dating for several months, it was reported by the Daily Mail earlier this month. Their relationship has largely remained out of the public eye, reflecting both individuals’ preference for privacy in their personal lives.
Vanessa was married to Donald Jr. for 12 years before filing for divorce in 2018. The split was described as amicable at the time, with both parties emphasizing their commitment to co-parenting their children together.
A source told People he is “cool” with her relationship with Woods. This suggests a cordial post-divorce relationship between Vanessa and Donald Jr., who has since become engaged to former Fox News personality Kimberly Guilfoyle.
Tiger has children Charlie and daughter Sam Alexis Woods, 17, with ex-wife Elin Nordegren, with the couple divorcing in 2010. That separation came following a highly publicized scandal involving Woods’ personal life, which temporarily impacted his professional career.
In February, Tiger accompanied Vanessa and Kai to the Genesis Invitational in San Diego. The tournament holds special significance for Woods, as it benefits his foundation and he serves as the event’s host.
Shortly after, he was honored at the White House by Donald Trump, Vanessa’s former father-in-law, during a Black History Month reception. The president previously awarded Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing his comeback to golf after multiple surgeries and personal challenges.
On March 19, Kai and Charlie are set to compete in the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley Golf Club in Graniteville, S.C. The prestigious tournament features some of the world’s top junior golfers and represents another opportunity for both teens to showcase their developing talents.
Golf insiders have noted that the sport often creates tight-knit communities, with families spending significant time together at tournaments and training facilities. This shared environment may have contributed to the initial connection between Woods and Vanessa, as they support their children’s athletic aspirations.
Friends of the couple note that both value their privacy and are approaching the relationship with careful consideration of how it might affect their families. Their mutual understanding of life in the public eye has reportedly helped them navigate the early stages of their romance with discretion.
