Tiger Woods on President Trump: ‘You have to respect the office’ – By Bill Speros (golfweek) / Aug 26 2018
Tiger Woods after teeing off on the 11th hole during the final round of the PGA Northern Trust at the Ridgewood Country Club.
(Photo: NorthJersey.com-USA TODAY NETWORK)
The subject of Tiger Woods and his relationship with President Trump was brought up during a news conference Sunday following Woods’ final-round 70 at The Northern Trust.
Woods did his best to avoid being partisan or provocative when asked the following question:
“At times, especially 2018, I think a lot of people, especially immigrants are threatened by him and his policy — what do you say to people who might find it interesting that you have a friendly relationship with him?”
His answer was less than a full endorsement of the president’s agenda:
“He’s the President of the United States. You have to respect the office. No matter who is in the office, you may like, dislike personality or the politics, but we all must respect the office.”
Trump has been a golfing partner of Woods and the two have known each other for a number of years.
“We’ve played golf together. We’ve had dinner together. I’ve known him pre-presidency and obviously during his presidency,” Woods said when asked to detail his relationship with the 45th president.
Woods has also played golf with former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush.
Woods took a pass when asked to comment on the state and discourse of race relations in the United States.
“No. I just finished 72 holes and really hungry,” he said.
