Tiger Woods, one of the greatest golfers in history, has always been a subject of media fascination—not just for his dominance on the golf course but also for his eventful romantic life. Before his recent involvement with Vanessa Trump, the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr., Woods’ dating history has been filled with high-profile relationships, scandals, and personal challenges.
From supermodels to athletes, his love life has been a rollercoaster, capturing public attention at every turn.
The Early Days: Marriage to Elin Nordegren
Before Woods’ romantic history became a public spectacle, he was married to Swedish model Elin Nordegren. The two met in 2001, introduced by Swedish golfer Jesper Parnevik.
Nordegren was working as a nanny at the time, but her striking beauty quickly made her a well-known figure in golf circles.
Their relationship progressed quickly, leading to an engagement in 2003 and a lavish wedding in Barbados in 2004. For a while, they were seen as the picture-perfect couple.
In 2007, they welcomed their first child, a daughter named Sam Alexis, followed by their son, Charlie Axel, in 2009.
However, beneath the surface, Woods’ personal life was unraveling. His marriage to Nordegren would soon be rocked by one of the biggest scandals in sports history.
In late 2009, reports surfaced alleging Woods had been involved in multiple extramarital affairs. The media frenzy exploded after a mysterious car accident outside his home, which soon led to shocking revelations about his secret life.
A parade of women, from nightclub hostesses to adult film actresses, came forward with claims of having been involved with the golf icon.
The fallout was devastating. Woods publicly admitted to infidelity and took an indefinite break from professional golf. His carefully crafted public image crumbled, and his marriage to Nordegren ended in divorce in 2010.
She reportedly received a massive settlement, and Woods faced the challenge of rebuilding his reputation both personally and professionally.
Post-Divorce Romance: Lindsey Vonn and Kristin Smith
Following his highly publicized divorce, Woods re-entered the dating scene. One of his most famous relationships post-scandal was with Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn. The two met in 2012 and went public with their relationship in 2013, forming one of the most talked-about power couples in sports.
Vonn and Woods frequently appeared together at events, shared social media posts, and supported each other in their respective sports. However, their romance ended in 2015, with both citing their hectic schedules as the main reason for the split. Despite the breakup, they remained on friendly terms.
Shortly after his split from Vonn, Woods moved on with stylist Kristin Smith in 2016. Unlike his previous relationships, this one was kept relatively private. Smith, who had a background in fashion and celebrity styling, was often seen attending Woods’ tournaments.
However, reports later surfaced that their relationship ended in 2017 due to issues with trust and rumors of Woods’ continued womanizing.
The Longest Relationship Since His Scandal: Erica Herman
By late 2017, Woods had found love again, this time with restaurant manager Erica Herman. Their relationship seemed more grounded compared to his past high-profile romances.
Herman was often seen by his side at tournaments, quietly supporting him through his career resurgence, including his historic Masters victory in 2019.
For years, the couple kept a relatively low profile, though there were occasional whispers about trouble in paradise. In 2022, their relationship ended amid legal drama. Herman filed a lawsuit related to a non-disclosure agreement, citing issues tied to the Speak Out Act.
Their split was not as scandalous as his past breakups, but it still marked another chapter in Woods’ tumultuous love life.
The Unexpected Romance with Vanessa Trump
Woods has had long-standing connections with the Trump family, particularly with former President Donald Trump. He played golf with Trump on multiple occasions and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019.
These ties likely kept him in close proximity to members of the Trump family, including Vanessa Trump.
Vanessa, the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr., had been married to him for over a decade before their divorce in 2018. The couple shared five children, and Vanessa had largely stayed out of the media spotlight following their split.
Around Thanksgiving 2024, reports emerged linking Woods and Vanessa romantically. Both living in Palm Beach, Florida, they reportedly connected through their children. Vanessa’s daughter, Kai Trump, is a competitive golfer and a friend of Woods’ children, Sam and Charlie.
This connection created opportunities for Woods and Vanessa to grow closer.
Unlike his past relationships, Woods has kept this romance particularly private. There have been no public confirmations or grand declarations, just subtle hints that they are seeing each other. They have been spotted together at events supporting their children and at exclusive golf gatherings.
The news of Woods and Vanessa Trump’s relationship has stirred significant media interest, given both their histories. While some have expressed surprise at the pairing, others see it as a natural connection given their shared social circles and love for golf.
Donald Trump Jr. has reportedly taken the news well, with sources stating he has no issue with his ex-wife’s new relationship. Woods, who has worked hard to maintain privacy in recent years, has remained silent about the speculation.
As Woods continues his journey in both golf and personal life, his history of relationships remains a fascinating aspect of his legacy. From a world-famous scandal to a series of high-profile romances, Woods’ love life has been as dramatic as his career.
Whether his connection with Vanessa Trump will stand the test of time remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—his personal life will always be a topic of public intrigue.