Tiger Woods struggled during the final round of The US PGA Northern Trust tournament in New Jersey on Sunday, but the PGA legend did successfully deflect a question about his relationship with President Donald Trump while urging Americans to respect his office
'He's the President of the United States,' Woods said after finishing 40th overall
'You have to respect the office.No matter who is in the office, you may like, dislike personality or the politics, but we all must respect the office
' Woods had been asked a question that referenced Trump's controversial immigration policies
'At times, especially 2018, I think a lot of people, especially immigrants are threatened by him and his policy — what do you say to people who might find it interesting that you have a friendly relationship with him?' a reporter asked Woods, according to USA Today
Just as he did with previous presidents George W.Bush and Barack Obama, Woods has played golf with Trump on several occasions, and the two have stayed in touch since the latter's inauguration
'Well, I've known Donald for a number of years,' Woods said.'We've played golf together
We've had dinner together.I've known him pre-presidency and obviously during his presidency
' Woods was also asked about racial relations in America, but he declined to give a response
'No,' Woods said, 'I just finished 72 holes and [I'm] really hungry.' Woods was coming off an impressive runner-up finish at the PGA Championship, but struggled on Sunday before finishing with a 70 for the round, which left him 14 shots off the lead
Bryson DeChambeau shot a 2-under 69 on Sunday to win his second tournament of the year
He finished 18-under overall.Woods is not the only professional athlete to sidestep questions about his relationship with Trump
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has also played golf with Trump, and even went so far as to endorse his bid for presidency during the 2016 campaign
However, when asked in January of 2017 if he called to congratulate Trump on his victory, Brady balked: 'Let's talk about football
' Trump has had a more contentious relationship with other athletes – namely NFL players who he has condemned for protesting inequality and police brutality by refusing to stand during the national anthem
Former NBA MVP winners LeBron James and Stephen Curry have both exchanged criticisms with Trump through traditional and social media as well
San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr have also publicly criticized Trump for everything from his response to gun violence to claims that the President has used race to divide the country
However, unlike James and Curry – both of whom Trump has called out by name, specifically disinviting them from a potential White House visit – the President has not mentioned Popovich or Kerr publicly
Trump has received many endorsements from current and former athletes, including boxer-turned-promoter Floyd Mayweather Jr
,former Buffalo Bills offensive guard Rickie Incognito, former NFL coach Mike Ditka, and current Patriots coach Bill Belichick
An avid golfer, the Trump Organization owns and operates many golf courses and resorts, both in the United States and abroad
In fact, Woods has won several tournaments at the Trump National Doral resort near Miami
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