Tiger Woods and Vanessa Trump reportedly strengthened their relationship. They are supporting each other through a difficult year marked by legal and health challenges.
A source close to the couple told PEOPLE that the pair grew closer as Woods dealt with the fallout from his DUI case and Vanessa faced breast cancer.
Tiger Woods and Vanessa Trump have reportedly grown closer after facing major personal challenges together
The source said the couple relied on each other instead of allowing their individual struggles to damage the Tiger Woods relationship.
“Somehow when both sides were suffering and depending on the other for support, things grew stronger in the romance—they did not explode the other way,” the source told PEOPLE.
The insider added, “Tiger and Vanessa have faced big problems at the same time and have helped the other through it. This says a lot.”
Woods publicly confirmed his romance with Vanessa in March 2025. He shared photos of the couple on Instagram and wrote that they looked forward to their future together.
A year later, authorities charged Woods with DUI, property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. He later sought treatment outside the United States.
The Tiger Woods DUI case reached another stage on September 2. Woods changed his plea from not guilty to no contest during a court appearance in Martin County, Florida. Court records showed that officials amended one charge to Local 1 reckless driving and changed another to a careless driving citation under a plea agreement. He also paid a $1,000 fine and lost his license for five years.
Vanessa attended the hearing with him.
A separate source said her appearance did not come as a surprise despite her initial reaction to his arrest.
“She was a support system to him in March, although pretty upset about his arrest,” the source said.
Vanessa faced her own serious challenge when she announced her breast cancer diagnosis in May.
“I am staying focused and hopeful while surrounded by the love and support of my family, my kids, and those closest to me,” she wrote at the time.
Another source said Woods supported Vanessa throughout her treatment, including while he worked on his own issues.
“He has given her a lot of love—even while away working on himself,” the insider said.
The couple’s difficult year reportedly brought Tiger Woods and Vanessa Trump closer as each faced major personal challenges.
