Golf legend Tiger Woods has always been in the spotlight for his incredible career, but this time, it’s his personal life making waves. The 15-time major champion has confirmed his relationship with Vanessa Trump, the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr. The news has sparked curiosity, especially given Vanessa’s past association with the Trump family and Woods’ high-profile dating history.
Tiger Woods Confirms the Relationship on Social Media
The speculation about Woods and Vanessa had been circulating for weeks, but it wasn’t until a recent post on social media that the confirmation came directly from the golfer himself. Woods took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his feelings, stating:
“Love is in the air, and my life is better with you! We are ready to travel this journey together.”
He also requested privacy at this stage, emphasizing that they appreciate the support of close friends and family.
Public Appearances Fuel Speculation
Before the official confirmation, Woods and Vanessa Trump had been spotted together multiple times. They were recently seen at Torrey Pines in San Diego, where Woods attended the final round of the Genesis Invitational tournament. In one image, Vanessa was seen resting her hand on Woods’ chest as they relaxed on a swing, further fueling dating rumors.
Who is Vanessa Trump?
Vanessa Trump, now 47 years old, has had a life filled with media attention. She started her career as a model, signing with Wilhelmina Models in the 1990s. She even appeared on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Australia. Born and raised in an affluent neighborhood in New York, Vanessa attended the prestigious Dwight School.
Her mother, Bonnie Haydon, was a model and owner of a modeling agency, while her father, Charles Haydon, was a lawyer who advised celebrities like Marilyn Monroe.
Her Marriage to Donald Trump Jr.
Vanessa Trump married Donald Trump Jr. in November 2005 in a grand ceremony at Mar-a-Lago, the Trump family estate in Florida. Their marriage lasted for over a decade, and they had five children together: Kai, Chloe, Donald III, Tristan, and Spencer. Kai, their eldest daughter, has shown an interest in golf and is set to play for Miami University in 2026.
In 2018, Vanessa filed for divorce, and by the end of the year, their separation was finalized. Despite parting ways, she and Trump Jr. maintained a cordial co-parenting relationship.
Vanessa Trump’s Dating History
Vanessa has been linked to several high-profile personalities before and after her marriage. Before marrying Donald Trump Jr., she was reportedly in a relationship with Saudi Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Saud. Additionally, during her teenage years, she was rumored to have dated Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio and a local street gangster named Valentin Rivera.
How Did Vanessa and Tiger Woods Meet?
It remains unclear when and how Vanessa and Woods first connected, but reports suggest they have known each other for a while. Woods has had a long-standing friendship with former U.S. President Donald Trump and has even played golf with him on multiple occasions.
In 2019, Trump awarded Woods the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House, recognizing his contributions to the sport. Reports indicate that Woods and Vanessa began dating around Thanksgiving 2024. Since then, they have been seen together on multiple occasions, and members of the Trump family are reportedly aware of their relationship.
Woods’ Past Relationships and Personal Life
Tiger Woods has had a tumultuous romantic history. In 2010, he went through a highly publicized divorce from his then-wife, Elin Nordegren, following reports of infidelity. The couple has two children, Sam (17) and Charlie (16).
Following his divorce, Woods dated Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn from 2012 to 2015. Later, he was in a long-term relationship with Erica Herman, a restaurant manager, which lasted until October 2022.
Why Did Woods Go Public About His Relationship?
Woods is known for keeping his personal life private, so his decision to confirm his relationship with Vanessa Trump came as a surprise to many. Some speculate that he made the announcement to avoid media intrusion, much like he did in 2013 when he confirmed his relationship with Lindsey Vonn on social media.
At the time, Woods had stated that he wanted to minimize the influence of tabloids and intrusive paparazzi who followed his every move. By making the announcement himself, he hoped to control the narrative and protect his privacy.
What’s Next for the Couple?
As of now, Woods and Vanessa seem happy together. However, Woods has been facing health issues that have impacted his golfing career. He recently revealed that he sustained an injury to his left leg, forcing him to withdraw from the Masters tournament. Many experts believe he may be out of competitive golf for the remainder of 2025.
Vanessa, on the other hand, continues to focus on her children and her private life. Whether this relationship will lead to something long-term remains to be seen, but for now, the couple appears to be enjoying their time together away from the spotlight.
