In a surprising revelation, former U.S. President Donald Trump has asserted that golf legend Tiger Woods will not be competing in the 2026 Masters Tournament, scheduled for next month. Trump made these comments during a phone interview on Fox News' The Five, clarifying that while Woods will attend the event, he will not be playing.
Trump's Statement and Connection to Woods
During the broadcast, Trump expressed admiration for Woods but firmly stated, "I love Tiger, but he won't be there. He will be there, but he won't be playing in it." This announcement carries weight due to Trump's close personal ties with Woods. The golfer is currently dating Trump's former daughter-in-law, Vanessa Trump, who was married to Donald Trump Jr. from 2005 to 2018 and shares five children with him.
Woods' Recent Health and Competitive Struggles
Tiger Woods has faced significant health challenges in recent years, which have impacted his ability to compete at the highest level. He has not participated in a full golf tournament since the 2024 Open Championship. Since then, Woods has undergone two back surgeries, including a lumbar disk replacement in October 2025, and suffered a torn Achilles tendon in March of last year.
Despite these setbacks, Woods made a recent return to competitive golf earlier this week. He played for his Jupiter Links team in the TGL final at SoFi Center, marking his first appearance in front of a live audience in over a year. Unfortunately, his team lost 9-2 to the Los Angeles Golf Club.
Woods' Comments on His Condition and Masters Hopes
After the TGL match, Woods addressed his physical limitations, saying, "I've been trying. Just this body is ... it doesn't recover like it did when it was 24, 25. It doesn't mean I'm not trying. I've had a couple bad injuries here over the past years that I've had to fight through and it's taken some time." He emphasized his love for the Masters, noting he has attended since age 19 and plans to be there regardless, possibly involved with "The Loop" project and the Champions Dinner.
Uncertainty and Speculation Surrounding Participation
Woods has yet to officially confirm or deny his participation in the Masters, leaving fans and analysts in suspense. Last week, he commented on his efforts to play in TGL matches, stating, "I think that I have been trying to play each and every one of these matches. I've been trying to come back. But it just hasn't worked out that way." He attributed this to his injuries, including the Achilles tear and back operations.
As a five-time Masters champion, Woods' potential absence would be a significant loss for the tournament. The golf community continues to watch for updates, with Trump's remarks adding a layer of political intrigue to the sports narrative.
