Kai Trump seems to approve of her mom, Vanessa Trump's boyfriend, pro golfer Tiger Woods, as she hailed him as one of her biggest 'inspirations' in a new interview.

Kai, 19, appeared at the 2026 ESPY Awards on Wednesday night in New York City, draped in a custom, shimmering gold gown from Alice + Olivia.

Often referred to as the Oscars of sports, the ESPYs is an annual event that honors the year's biggest achievements in the athletic world, held at Lincoln Center.

While she was on the red carpet, Kai was asked by Us Weekly who had inspired her over the past year, to which she took the opportunity to gush over the athlete. 

'Probably Tiger [Woods], he's inspired me a lot, just [to] be a better person, a better golfer, and stuff like that,' Kai said.

Kai, who is set to join the University of Miami's women's golf team this fall, also revealed that he has given her advice about playing golf.

Kai said that he told her to 'keep being you and live life,' adding: 'He's amazing.'

Kai's mom, Vanessa, has been dating Tiger for more than a year, first going public with their relationship in March 2025. 

Vanessa was married to Kai's dad Donald Trump Jr from 2005 to 2018. In addition to Kai, they share Donald III, 17, Tristan, 14, Spencer, 13, and Chloe, 12. 

Interestingly enough, Tiger has a years-long friendship with Kai's grandfather, President Donald Trump. In 2019, Trump awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. 

It's been said Tiger and Vanessa first met at events at the $38,595-a-year Benjamin School in Florida, where both their children attended.

'She came into his life at just the right time,' a source close to Tiger told the Daily Mail in January about Vanessa.

'She showed up as he was seriously considering what happens next in his career. 

'She has added so much stability on the home front, and he gushes about her influence in his life,' the source said. 

However, the two have dealt with some hard times together lately.

In March, Tiger was arrested for a DUI after he rolled his car near his Jupiter Island home.

Woods pleaded not guilty and he blew clear on a breathalyzer test but refused to give a urine sample and police found two hydrocodone pills in his pocket - a powerful painkiller.

Police also said his eyes were bloodshot and glassy when they interviewed him at the scene of the crash.

Tiger then checked into rehab in Switzerland for help in managing his medications and returned to the United States for good in June. His next hearing over the DUI case is scheduled for August 4.

Just a few months later, Vanessa announced to the world that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The mother-of-five made the devastating announcement on Instagram in May, while adding that she had undergone a 'procedure.'

'I want to share a personal health update. I've recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. While this isn't news anyone expects, I'm working closely with my medical team on a treatment plan,' she said.

Vanessa added that she was grateful to her doctors for performing the procedure.

She went on: 'I am staying focused and hopeful while surrounded by the love and support of my family, my kids and those closest to me. Thank you for your kindness and support, it truly means more than I can express.'

She also asked for privacy while she focused on recovering.

In another message posted to her Instagram page on June 13, she told followers that she would be entering the second stage of her treatment.

Just this week, Kai gave an update on her mom's health while appearing on Fox & Friends, admitting that the radiation has taken a 'toll on her body.'

'She's doing better, obviously radiation takes a toll on your body but she's doing better, feeling better,' Kai said.

She went on to brand her mom a 'fighter' and said she was feeling hopeful, adding: 'She's been a little tired but she's a fighter.

'If anyone can go through it, she can definitely... she's a fighter, she'll be fine.'