Kai Trump has publicly praised her deepening bond with Tiger Woods, the golf legend now dating her mother.
Vanessa Trump, 48, began her relationship with Woods, 50, in early 2025, and the 19-year-old University of Miami golfer told Golfweek following her appearance at The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican on November 13 that she turns to him constantly for guidance.
“He’s the best,” Kai said of Woods. “I love him so much, and he’s a great guy, and he helps me whenever I want.”
The rising freshman credited her mother with sparking her lifelong passion for the sport, noting that Vanessa placed a club in her hands at age two. “If it wasn’t for her, I probably wouldn’t be playing golf right now,” she said. Kai also mentioned that she regularly tees off with her 80-year-old grandfather, President-elect Donald Trump.
This was not the first occasion Kai has spotlighted Woods’ mentorship role. After her ANNIKA debut in November 2025, she spoke to reporters about both his unmatched athletic legacy and the steadying advice he offered before she competed.
“I mean, he is the best golfer in the entire world, I would say that. And an even better person,” she told reporters at that time. “He told me to go out there and have fun and just go with the flow. Whatever happens, happens.”
Woods shares daughter Sam, 19, and son Charlie, 17, with ex-wife Elin Nordegren, and has reportedly become a reliable presence for Vanessa and her five children with Donald Trump Jr.: Kai, Donald, 17, Tristan, 15, Spencer, 14, and Chloe, 12.
That family circle has faced significant strain this year. Vanessa revealed her breast cancer diagnosis in May through an Instagram post, writing, “I am staying focused and hopeful while surrounded by the love and support of my family, my kids and those closest to me.”
A source close to the family previously told reporters that Woods “has been there for [Vanessa] as much as she wants it,” adding that supporting her allowed him to “forget his own problems for a while and show his love and support for a real trooper of a girlfriend.”
Woods has contended with his own legal troubles. He was arrested for DUI in March 2026 in Jupiter, Florida, and appeared in Martin County court in September, where Vanessa stood beside him. The incident resulted in a five-year license suspension, a $1,000 fine, and a plea deal reducing charges to reckless and careless driving.
“Somehow, when both sides were suffering and depending on the other for support, things grew stronger in the romance — they did not explode the other way,” an insider said in September. “Tiger and Vanessa have faced big problems at the same time and have helped the other through it. This says a lot.”
Woods and Vanessa went public with their relationship in March 2025, several months before her health announcement and his subsequent arrest.
Kai is scheduled to continue her collegiate golf career with the University of Miami.