Kai Trump has nothing but love for her mom’s boyfriend, Tiger Woods. The college golfer has opened up about how much the golf legend means to her, after a tough year for the whole family.
Kai Trump has opened up about her close relationship with Tiger Woods, her mom Vanessa Trump’s boyfriend. The 19-year-old golfer, who plays for the University of Miami, spoke to Golfweek after competing in The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican tournament on November 13.
She said she often turns to the 50-year-old golf legend for advice. “He’s the best,” Kai said. “I love him so much, and he’s a great guy, and he helps me whenever I want.”
Woods and Vanessa, the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr., went public with their relationship in March 2025.
Golf runs in the family
In the interview Kai also gave her mom credit for getting her started in the sport. Vanessa first put a golf club in her hands when she was just two years old. “If it wasn’t for her, I probably wouldn’t be playing golf right now.” She also plays regularly with her grandfather, President Donald Trump, who is 80.
This isn’t the first time Kai has praised Woods either. After her ANNIKA debut in November 2025, she told reporters he was “the best golfer in the entire world” and “an even better person.”
His advice before big tournaments is simple. “He told me to go out there and have fun and just go with the flow. Whatever happens, happens,” she said at the time.
A difficult year for both of them
Woods and Vanessa are said to have quietly started dating just before Thanksgiving 2024. Woods shares daughter Sam, 19, and son Charlie, 17, with his ex-wife Elin Nordegren. Vanessa has five children with Don Jr.: Kai, Donald, 17, Tristan, 15, Spencer, 14, and Chloe, 12.
In May, Vanessa revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. “I am staying focused and hopeful while surrounded by the love and support of my family, my kids and those closest to me,” she wrote on Instagram.
A source close to the family told People magazine that Woods “has been there for [Vanessa] as much as she wants it.”
The support has gone both ways. Woods was arrested in March 2026 after a rollover crash in Florida and was initially charged with DUI. In September, he reached a plea deal on reduced charges, including reckless driving. A judge suspended his license for five years and fined him around $1,500.
Vanessa sat behind him in court in Martin County.
“Tiger and Vanessa have faced big problems at the same time and have helped the other through it. This says a lot,” an insider told PEOPLE in September.
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