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Tiger Woods, the 49-year-old golf icon, has reportedly begun a new chapter in his personal life with Vanessa Trump, 47, the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr. Multiple sources confirm the pair have been "quietly dating" for several months, with the Daily Mail suggesting the relationship started around Thanksgiving 2024.
The new couple shares significant Florida connections, where both primarily reside and where their children reportedly attend the same school. According to a source close to the Trump family, Donald Trump Jr. is "cool" with his ex-wife's new relationship with the golf legend.
Vanessa's daughter Kai, 17, provides another connection between the pair. A talented golfer herself, Kai committed to play for the University of Miami beginning in fall 2025, as reported by Golfweek. On February 16, Woods, Vanessa, and Kai were spotted arriving together at a tournament in Florida.
The timing of this relationship announcement coincides with challenging personal events for Woods. Just days ago, he revealed a ruptured Achilles tendon requiring surgery. "As I began to ramp up my own training and practice at home, I felt a sharp pain in my left Achilles, which was deemed to be ruptured," Woods wrote on social media, adding that Dr. Charlton Stucken performed "a minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair."
Woods is also navigating recent grief. His mother, Kultida Woods, passed away on February 4 at age 81. In a heartfelt statement, Woods described her as "a force of nature" with an "undeniable spirit," noting she was his "biggest fan, greatest supporter," without whom "none of my personal achievements would have been possible."
Vanessa's history with Donald Trump Jr. spans 12 years of marriage that ended when she filed for divorce in 2018. The couple shares five children: Kai, Donald III, Tristan, Spencer, and Chloe. According to Us Weekly, their relationship reportedly became "rocky" during President Donald Trump's first election campaign.
He has had several high-profile relationships throughout his career. His marriage to model Elin Nordegren ended in 2010 following his public infidelity scandal. He later dated Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn for three years until 2015, and most recently was in a relationship with Erica Herman until 2023.
On February 20, Tiger Woods was honored at the White House by President Donald Trump during a Black History Month reception, further connecting the golf champion to the Trump family circle in a different capacity before this relationship became public knowledge.
