Tiger Woods got into spotlight on Sunday, after putting the finishing touches on a final-round 70 at The Northern Trust golf tournament. When asked by a New York Times reporter to describe his relationship with President Donald Trump, Woods replied: “I’ve known Donald 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.”
In responding to a follow-up question: “At times, especially 2018, I think a lot of people, especially colored 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?”; Woods said: “Well, 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.”
When asked if he had any comment on the state of race relations in the U.S., Woods refusing to be dragged unnecessarily into any sort of controversy said: “No. I just finished 72 holes and I’m really hungry.”
In tweeting about the incident, Woods said that the reporter was probably working on “something bigger”.
Nothing sparked it. A NYT reporter here, seemingly working on something bigger. pic.twitter.com/n3fT4Dutfm
— Tiger Tracker (@GCTigerTracker) August 26, 2018
President Donald Trump praised Woods for dismissing a leading question from a New York Times reporter about the president and race relations, and said: “The Fake News Media worked hard to get Tiger Woods to say something that he didn’t want to say,” Trump wrote. “Tiger wouldn’t play the game – he is very smart. More importantly, he is playing great golf again!”
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!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2018