'F*** what people think...' Tiger Woods hits back at new girlfriend critics

Tiger Woods has reportedly told a close friend '"f*** what people think" when it comes to their concerns about his relationship with new girlfriend Vanessa Trump, according to the Daily Mail. 

Woods, 49, allegedly wanted to keep his relationship with Vanessa Trump, 47, under wraps for as long as possible.

But the golf legend decided to go Insta official with her in March, albeit through gritted teeth. 

That was after the Daily Mail broke news of his blossoming new relationship with Donald Trump Jr's ex-wife, and it was all out there. 

"Love is in the air and life is better with you by my side!," Woods posted on social media alongside two photos of himself with Vanessa. 

"We look forward to our journey through life together. 

"At this time we would appreciate privacy for all those close to our hearts."

Vanessa then broke her own silence on the relationship during The Masters last month, which Woods was forced to miss out on. 

Woods reportedly first told his ex-wife Elin Nordegren, the mother of his two children Charlie and Sam, about his new relationship with Vanessa in early January this year. 

Elin's initial reaction spoke volumes but she was also happy for her ex-husband, who she divorced in August 2010. 

According to the Daily Mail, it is understood a number of Woods' closest pals have held "concerns" about him dating Vanessa, who shares five children with Trump Jr. 

Vanessa has reportedly had past relationships with actor Leonardo DiCaprio and Saudi prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud. 

Some of Woods' friends believe Vanessa could potentially be bad for his public image as a result of her political ties to the Trump family. 

But Woods, who is friends with U.S. President Donald Trump, quite frankly does not care. 

"F*** what people think,"  Woods allegedly told a friend, per the Daily Mail. 

The source added: "Tiger has always been publicly apolitical. He has his beliefs and opinions, of course, but he doesn’t make a public spectacle of his political leanings, and dating someone in a political family looks like he’s choosing a side.

"You can’t really tell Tiger to do something he doesn’t want to do," the insider continued.

"And he felt like this was an important enough relationship to go public with.

"If someone has a problem, that’s on them, not him."

According to other insiders close to Woods, there is concern about whether he will be able to keep pace with Vanessa's celebrity lifestyle, especially while he continues to recover from surgery for his Achilles tendon. 

"Tiger is in a very vulnerable state right now," an insider told RadarOnline.

"The last few years have been incredibly tough, and Vanessa's a real dynamo.

"She lives a very fast-paced lifestyle and there are concerns he won't be able to keep up with her."

Woods apparently has the full support of his son Charlie, 16, and daughter Samantha, 17, over his new relationship.

"The kids understood and were happy, and still are happy," the source said.

"It was more people thinking about his professional brand who worried about what would happen when the news came out."

Woods underwent surgery for a left Achilles tendon earlier this season and he will be out of competitive action until early 2026. 

The 15-time major champion has not played in a competitive event since missing the cut at the 152nd Open at Royal Troon in July 2024. 

Woods will turn 50 at the end of this year and he will then be eligible to compete on the PGA Tour Champions in 2026 should he so wish. 

He will also be able to ride in a golf cart there.