Tiger Woods Faces Setback with Achilles Injury Amidst Reports of New Relationship
Golf icon Tiger Woods is once again navigating a challenging period, having sustained an Achilles tendon rupture. This injury coincides with emerging reports of a romantic relationship with Vanessa Trump.
DailyMail.com initially disclosed the news of Woods’ personal life, revealing his connection with Vanessa Trump, who previously divorced Donald Trump Jr. in 2018.
The pair are reportedly linked romantically since Thanksgiving. While this new relationship marks a positive chapter in his personal life following his mother’s recent passing, Woods now confronts another hurdle in his professional golf career with the Achilles injury.
Fred Couples Offers Insight into Woods’ Condition
Despite this significant setback, fellow golfer and close friend Fred Couples indicates Woods remains optimistic.
Couples shared, ‘I contacted him immediately after it happened, and he responded. We’ve also exchanged messages about other matters – the TGL, and his daughter’s recent soccer victory.’
‘Before the injury, he was incredibly happy. He’s in remarkably good spirits considering the Achilles rupture, truly. He will recover.’
Tiger Woods sustained an Achilles tear last week, which occurred alongside the revelation of his relationship with Vanessa Trump.
Golf luminary Woods, 49, and Vanessa Trump, 47, former spouse of Donald Trump Jr., have reportedly been dating since Thanksgiving. They are pictured arriving together at a golf tournament on February 16.
Couples acknowledged the disappointment of fans eager to see Woods compete again, noting, ‘It’s unfortunate because people are wondering about his return to the game. He had plans to participate in several events, although not extensively.’
He further added, ‘The loss of his mother would naturally affect anyone, but he’s resilient, and communicating with him is always enjoyable.’
Details of the Achilles Injury
Woods, a 15-time major champion, was preparing for a comeback in Florida when he experienced a ‘sharp pain’ in his left heel, ultimately diagnosed as a ruptured Achilles tendon.
In an official statement, Woods explained, ‘As I increased my training and practice at home, I felt a sudden sharp pain in my left Achilles, which was confirmed to be a rupture.’
‘This morning, Dr. Charlton Stucken at the Hospital for Special Surgery in West Palm Beach, Florida, performed a minimally invasive repair of the ruptured Achilles tendon.’
‘I have returned home and am now focused on recuperation and rehabilitation. Thank you for the outpouring of support.’
This development dashes hopes of Woods competing at The Masters in Augusta next month.
Woods and Trump’s Shared Locale and Connections
Woods and Trump reside approximately 20 minutes apart in the affluent Palm Beach area of southern Florida. They were recently seen together at a golf tournament last month.
Woods accompanied President Trump at the White House on February 20 during a reception for Black History Month.
Vanessa Trump’s eldest daughter, Kai, 17, along with Woods’ children, Charlie, 16, and Sam, 17, are all students at The Benjamin School, a private institution with annual fees of $38,595.
Kai Trump and Charlie Woods are both aspiring golfers with professional ambitions and are participants this week in the Sage Invitational in South Carolina.
They were photographed arriving together at the PGA Tour’s Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines in California last month.
Kai, who has committed to playing golf at the University of Miami, was wearing apparel from Woods’ clothing line.
In February, Vanessa and Kai attended a round of the TGL, the golf league co-founded by Woods and Rory McIlroy.
President Trump and Woods also played a round of golf together last month before Trump attended the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Woods Mourns Mother’s Passing
Woods announced the death of his mother, Kultida, at the age of 80 in early February and subsequently withdrew from the Genesis tournament in San Diego, which he hosts.
‘It has been a difficult period,’ Woods stated. ‘However, I’ve received incredible support from my family, and fellow players at this week’s tournament have reached out.’
Tiger’s children Sam (center) and Charlie (left) are classmates with Kai Trump at The Benjamin School. Sam Alexis Woods, 17, is a soccer player, and Charlie Axel Woods, 16, is also a golfer.
‘The numerous supportive messages, texts, and emails have been truly helpful and deeply meaningful to me.’
‘My mother was my pillar of strength. My father was employed at McDonnell Douglas, working on the Delta rocket program, and my mom accompanied me to every junior tournament in Southern California.’
Reflecting on his mother’s influence, the 49-year-old added, ‘She maintained high standards for me regarding academics, emphasizing good grades and school performance.’
‘Frankly, if I hadn’t completed my homework, I wasn’t allowed to play. Academic success was prioritized over any sport I was involved in.’
‘She was my everything, and her loss has been a very painful and challenging experience.’
Focus on Recovery Amidst Injury History
Currently, Woods must concentrate on his recovery. This recent injury adds to a series of physical challenges, including a severe car accident that nearly resulted in the loss of his right leg.
He has previously experienced an Achilles tendon tear in his right ankle and ligament damage in his left knee.
Last September, Woods underwent his sixth back surgery in ten years, a procedure technically termed ‘microdecompression surgery of the lumbar spine.’
Woods, an 82-time PGA Tour winner, sustained serious injuries in a single-vehicle car accident in 2021, fracturing his right leg and ankle and requiring emergency surgical intervention.
He later had further ankle surgery in 2023 to address persistent issues, shortly after withdrawing from that year’s Masters tournament.