Tiger Woods has known Donald Trump for years, and they've golfed together on several occasions—for example, shortly after he was elected in 2016, and on Thanksgiving in 2017. Asked Sunday about his relationship with Trump, Woods answered that it's important to "respect the office."
During a post-round interview at Ridgewood Country Club, the site of the Northern Trust tournament, a reporter asked Woods how he would respond to those who are critical of his friendly relationship with the commander in chief.
"Well, he's the president of the United States. You have to respect the office," Tiger said, according to ESPN. "No matter who is in the office, you may like, dislike personality or the politics, but we all must respect the office."
Trump has come under fire from a number of notable athletes, including LeBron James, but he appears to have an ally in Woods.
"I've known Donald for a number of years," added Tiger, who finished the tournament tied for 40th. "We've played golf together. We've had dinner together."
Monday morning, upon catching wind of the quotes, Trump praised Tiger on Twitter.
The Fake News Media worked hard to get Tiger Woods to say something that he didn’t want to say. Tiger wouldn’t play the game - he is very smart. More importantly, he is playing great golf again!
A reporter also asked Tiger if he had anything to add about the state of race relations in the United States.
"No," he said. "I just finished 72 holes and am really hungry."
