Tiger Woods was grilled on his relationship with President Trump during a post-round interview Sunday in New Jersey, explaining that he’s known the president for “a number of years” and respects the office regardless of who’s in it.

Mr. Woods, who golfed with Mr. Trump in December 2016 and November of last year at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, was forced to answer for his friendship with the president after he tied for 40th in The Northern Trust at Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus.

“Well, I’ve known Donald for a number of years,” the pro golfer said. “We’ve played golf together and, you know, we’ve had dinner together. So yeah, I’ve known him pre-presidency and obviously during his presidency.”

One reporter accused Mr. Trump of making people of color and immigrants feel “threatened” and asked Mr. Woods what he would say to fans who find it “interesting” that he’s friends with someone like that.

“Well, he’s the president of the United States,” Mr. Woods answered. “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.”

When asked to comment “more broadly” about the state of race relations under Mr. Trump, Mr. Woods declined to answer.

“I just finished 72 holes and am really hungry,” he said.

Mr. Woods has also golfed with former presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

Mr. Trump on Monday tweeted praise for Mr. Woods, saying the pro golfer smartly refused to play the reporter’s “game.”

The Fake News Media worked hard to get Tiger Woods to say something that he didn’t want to say. Tiger wouldn’t play the game - he is very smart. More importantly, he is playing great golf again! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2018

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