'Golf Enthusiast' Trump Wishes "Speedy Recovery... True Champion" to Woods After Vehicle Rollover Accident

Encouragement Message Delivered via Senior Advisor's SNS Account
Received the US Highest Honor 'Medal of Freedom' in 2019 at Woods
"The Greatest Athlete Across All Sports"

Former U.S. President Donald Trump awarded the "Presidential Medal of Freedom" to "Golf Emperor" Tiger Woods at the White House Rose Garden on May 6, 2019 (local time). / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Former U.S. President Donald Trump has drawn attention by sending a message of encouragement to 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods, who was involved in a car collision and rollover accident.

Known as a 'golf fanatic' who visits golf courses at least dozens of times a year, former President Trump is also reported to have a friendship with Woods. In 2019, he awarded Woods the United States' highest honor, the 'Medal of Freedom.'

On the 23rd (local time), former President Trump sent a message through the Twitter account of his senior advisor Jason Miller, saying, "Tiger, wishing you a speedy recovery," and "You are a true champion."

Earlier in January, former President Trump was permanently banned from social media platforms such as Twitter, so he is currently unable to use SNS directly. Therefore, it appears he sent the message of encouragement to Woods through his advisor.

After taking office as president in 2017, former President Trump, known as a golf enthusiast who visited golf courses as many as 251 times during his term, is said to have built a friendship with Woods.

In particular, on May 7, 2019, former President Trump awarded Woods the highest honor, the 'Medal of Freedom.' At that time, Woods, at the age of 44, won the U.S. professional golf 'Masters' tournament, earning the medal as recognition for inspiring golf fans worldwide and former President Trump.

At the ceremony held in the Rose Garden of the White House, former President Trump personally placed the medal around Woods' neck and praised him, saying, "One of the greatest athletes across all sports," and "A true legend and an amazing player." Woods, upon receiving the medal, expressed his gratitude with a choked voice, saying, "It is an incredible experience."

The vehicle in which Woods was riding, damaged after a rollover accident following a collision. / Photo by Yonhap News

Meanwhile, according to local U.S. media such as the New York Post and USA Today, Woods was involved in a car collision and rollover accident on the morning of the 23rd, and after being rescued by emergency responders, he was transported to a hospital and is receiving inpatient treatment.

Woods was involved in a traffic accident around 7:12 a.m. on a road in southern California. The vehicle Woods was riding in, a Hyundai Motor 'Genesis GV80,' left the road after the collision, rolled down a slope, and overturned.

Emergency responders who arrived at the scene reportedly used hydraulic rescue tools to cut the damaged vehicle and rescue Woods.

According to the Los Angeles (LA) Sheriff's Department, Woods was the only occupant in the accident vehicle. Woods' exact injury status has not yet been confirmed.

Woods' side told the U.S. golf magazine 'Golf Digest,' "(Woods) sustained significant injuries to his legs and is undergoing surgery," and "We appreciate everyone's support."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.