Tiger Woods’ girlfriend: The 49-year-old professional golfer posted two cuddled-up pictures of himself and Vanessa, Donald Trump Jr.’s ex-wife, on social media on Sunday, March 23, confirming their relationship.
“Love is in the air and life is better with you by my side! We look forward to our journey through life together,” Woods wrote in the caption, adding, “At this time we would appreciate privacy for all those close to our hearts.”
The pair may be seen cuddling up in a lounge chair in one of the two pictures or standing side by side with their arms wrapped around one another in the other.
On March 13, PEOPLE first revealed that Woods and 47-year-old Vanessa had been secretly dating for several months. The revelation was initially reported by the Daily Mail.
Former actress and model Vanessa married Donald Trump Jr. in 2005 at Mar-a-Lago. In 2018, the couple, who have five kids together, were divorced.
Before divorcing Donald Jr. in 2018, Vanessa Trump was married to him for 12 years. The pair has a 17-year-old daughter named Kai and a 16-year-old son named Donald III.
According to a source who spoke to PEOPLE, her ex-husband is “cool with” her current relationship with Woods.
Woods and his ex-wife, Elin Nordegren, have a 16-year-old son named Charlie and a 17-year-old daughter named Sam.
In 2010, the ex-couple called it quits. Since their children have been participating in the same junior tournaments for a number of months, Woods and Vanessa have been seen together at a number of golf events.
Kai and Charlie both participated in the Junior Invitational in South Carolina earlier this week. Woods travelled to San Diego, California, in February to attend the Genesis Invitational with Vanessa and her daughter.
According to reports, Kai, one of Florida’s best junior golfers, has committed to play for the University of Miami the following season.
A few days later, Vanessa’s former father-in-law, President Donald Trump, honoured the five-time Masters champion at a Black History Month reception at the White House.
Woods and Vanessa bonded via their love for their respective children’s golf careers, a source close to both of them previously told PEOPLE.
“Their kids are going places in golf and both very disciplined about the sport. They have that in common,” the insider said.
Vanessa’s involvement with someone of Woods’ status is not shocking, according to a second source close to her who spoke to PEOPLE.
“Vanessa has always gone for guys who are either well known or have something big going for them,” the source said.
“She is comfortable with that, but she’s not a woman who wants to be in the limelight. She is not a shrinking violet but is discreet and smart and a good mother. That has come first in her life.”
Tiger Woods has requested privacy since he made his connection with Vanessa Trump public on Instagram. But it didn’t stop Vanessa’s ex-sister-in-law, Ivanka Trump, from talking about the surprising union.
According to the Daily Mail, Woods’ rather perplexing Sunday Instagram picture received scores of comments, including one from the First Daughter, who hailed his new girlfriend.
With her succinct response, “So happy for you both!” Ivanka made her thoughts about the union known despite the plea for secrecy. (which was succeeded by two emojis of happy hearts).
The two started dating just before Thanksgiving of last year and can spend a lot of time together because they live in Florida and are only a few minutes away. The families have been close for a long time because their kids go to Palm Beach’s prestigious Benjamin School together.
“They just love hanging out, having dinner and schmoozing together,” a source told the Daily Mail. “They’re sticking close to home, have decided not to make it a thing and go out in public. Not just yet anyway.”