Vanessa Trump continues to stand by golfing icon Tiger Woods as he navigates a challenging comeback from injury following his recent 50th birthday. The 15-time major champion, who has been in a relationship with the former wife of Donald Trump Jr. since early last year, finds himself sidelined from competition but not from the sport he helped revolutionise.
Support from the Sidelines at TGL
Vanessa Trump, 48, was spotted alongside her 18-year-old daughter, Kai, in the Jupiter Links team box at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens this week. The pair watched as Woods' team competed in the tech-infused TGL league, which he co-founded with Rory McIlroy. Woods is currently recovering from a disc replacement surgery performed on his spine last autumn, forcing him to watch from the sidelines as the league's second season gets underway.
Photographs from the event showed Vanessa keeping a low profile in the back row, while an animated Woods reacted to the simulated golf action. This public appearance marks another show of solidarity for the couple, whose relationship became public knowledge just over a year ago after they were first seen together at TGL matches during the league's debut season.
A Star-Studded 50th Birthday Celebration
The TGL outing came just a day before Woods was set to host an exclusive birthday extravaganza. Reports indicate the golf legend planned a lavish, star-studded party at The Breakers, a luxury resort in West Palm Beach, Florida. The event, scheduled for Wednesday, was said to feature entertainment from rock icon Jon Bon Jovi.
Guests were reportedly instructed to incorporate a 'touch of red' into their attire, a nod to Woods' famous 'Sunday Red' tradition and his apparel brand. The menu was expected to draw inspiration from the champion's dinners he has hosted at the Masters, potentially featuring dishes like steak fajitas, sushi, and cheeseburgers in honour of his five Augusta victories.
The guest list was believed to include close friends like fellow pro Justin Thomas, former caddie Joe LaCava, and sporting figures such as Michael Strahan and Arthur Blank. Naturally, Vanessa Trump was expected to be by Woods' side throughout the celebrations.
A Growing Partnership Amid Career Transition
Insiders describe the relationship between Woods and Vanessa as "really, really serious" and more mature than his previous partnerships. A source close to the golfer revealed to the Daily Mail that Vanessa "came into his life at just the right time," as he contemplates his future in the sport following a series of debilitating injuries.
"She has added so much stability on the home front, and he gushes about her influence in his life," the source said, adding that Woods sees Vanessa as a "true partner" who grounds him. The couple reportedly met in November 2024 at events for their children, who both attended the prestigious Benjamin School in Florida.
Woods' injury struggles are well-documented, most notably the severe leg fractures he suffered in a high-speed car crash in February 2021. His latest spinal surgery in October has led to a difficult recovery, with Woods himself admitting he had hoped to heal faster. As his competitive career winds down, the support from his new partner appears increasingly significant.
Meanwhile, Vanessa's daughter, Kai, is forging her own path in golf. The 18-year-old, who made her LPGA Tour debut last November and has sought advice from Woods, recently underwent surgery on her left wrist to address tendon and cartilage damage. She is set to join the University of Miami later this year as part of their 2026 collegiate golf signing class, continuing the family's deep connection to the sport.
