President Donald Trump offered strong words of support for Tiger Woods in a Wednesday interview with Reuters, expressing confidence in the golf legend's recovery and future.
"It's a good thing that he's doing, but he's going to end up being terrific. He's a great guy," Trump said.
He went on to praise Woods more broadly, adding, "He's one of the greatest people I've known. He's a great champion, he'll be fine. He's going to be terrific."
Trump's comments come as Woods continues to navigate a long and highly publicized history of injuries and personal challenges, including past struggles with substance abuse.
Woods entered a not guilty plea in his driving under the influence case in Florida on Tuesday, hours after a sheriff's report said he had pain pills and showed signs of impairment at the scene of the crash last week.
In 2017, Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. He later said the incident was linked to prescription medication, not alcohol, and subsequently completed a rehabilitation program.
The episode followed years of physical setbacks and multiple surgeries that required pain management, contributing to concerns about dependency.
Trump and Woods have maintained a friendly relationship for years, rooted in personal and professional overlap.
Trump, an avid golfer and owner of several golf courses, has frequently played with Woods and awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019 following his Masters victory.
Their connection is also loosely tied through family circles: Vanessa Trump, the former wife of Donald Trump Jr., has been reported in recent years to have social ties to Woods, further linking the two figures.
Golf remains a central bond between Trump and Woods, with both men often emphasizing the sport's role in their relationship.
Trump's latest remarks underscore that connection, framing Woods not only as a champion on the course, but also as a resilient figure the president believes will overcome past struggles.
James Morley III ✉
James Morley III is a writer with more than two decades of experience in entertainment, travel, technology, and science and nature.
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