Tiger Woods' friends 'concerned' by Vanessa Trump influence in wake of car crash

Callum Vurley
Sun, 05 Apr 2026 16:26:31 +0000

Tiger Woods' closest confidants have reportedly turned against his girlfriend Vanessa Trump, holding her responsible for stoking his fixation on returning to professional golf rather than steering him towards prioritising his wellbeing and family life.

The golfing legend's inner circle has grown increasingly frustrated and anxious about Trump's apparent inability to redirect his attention away from mounting yet another sporting comeback.

Their concerns have intensified following Woods' recent motoring incident in Florida and his subsequent arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence.

The couple began their relationship in March, marking Trump's first serious romance since her divorce from Donald Trump Jr. in 2018.

Woods' Land Rover flipped over after he struck a lorry's trailer whilst attempting a risky overtaking manoeuvre last week.

Local sheriff John Budensiek confirmed the 15-time major champion had been travelling at excessive speed at the time of the collision.

The incident resulted in Woods failing multiple sobriety assessments, with bodycam footage subsequently emerging showing him apparently struggling during standard cognitive examinations.

Officers discovered two hydrocodone tablets in his pocket during the arrest.

Woods now faces charges including driving under the influence, property damage, and refusing to submit to a lawful test after declining to provide a urine sample.

According to a source speaking to The U.S. Sun, Woods' friends believe Trump is failing to ground him or encourage a shift towards family and business priorities.

"Tiger has been completely obsessed with getting back to the top and becoming the player he once was - back in the spotlight alongside the biggest athletes in the world," the source revealed.

The source added: "The pressure weighs heavily on him, and he hasn't accepted that he may never reach the top again. There is a level of denial."

"Most of his friends think he should retire and focus on his health, but he refuses to accept that other players have taken the spotlight. He constantly talks about his golden years and believes he can get back there. Some people stay quiet just to avoid upsetting him."

Woods has since announced his intention to step away from the sport to seek treatment at an overseas facility, with privacy concerns cited as the reason for leaving the United States.

His lawyer Douglas Duncan entered a not guilty plea on his behalf earlier this week, with the golfer's next court appearance scheduled for May.

In a statement, Woods said: "I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health."

Despite earlier reports that Trump had expressed frustration with Woods following the arrest, telling him he "needed to get things under control," she has publicly stood by him, sending a supportive message on social media before his departure.