Tiger Woods: Wife, Health, Girlfriend, Net Worth & News

Few athletes have lived a life as public and polarizing as Tiger Woods. From his record-shattering peak to the scandals and injuries that reshaped his story, his trajectory has been anything but predictable. This article separates confirmed facts from lingering questions about his health, relationships, and future in the game.

Age: 49 (born December 30, 1975) ·
Major Championships: 15 ·
PGA Tour Wins: 82 ·
Net Worth: Estimated $800 million ·
Children: 2 (Sam and Charlie) ·
Ex-Wife: Elin Nordegren

Eight key biographical details paint the picture of a generational talent whose off-course life has been just as eventful.

Why did Tiger’s wife leave him?

What were the allegations against Tiger Woods?

In November 2009, the National Enquirer published a story linking Woods to a late-night car accident outside his Florida home. Within weeks, multiple women alleged extramarital affairs with the golfer. Elin Nordegren, his wife of five years, told People magazine she was “blindsided” by the revelations (People magazine). Woods later publicly admitted to infidelity and took an indefinite break from golf.

How much did the divorce settlement cost?

The divorce was finalized in August 2010. Financial terms were sealed, but multiple outlets reported a settlement in the range of $100 million (ESPN). Nordegren received custody of their two children, Sam and Charlie, and purchased a $12 million home in Florida. Woods retained his professional earnings and endorsement contracts.

Bottom line: The marriage collapsed under the weight of serial infidelity. Nordegren walked away with a nine-figure settlement and primary custody, while Woods faced a long public rehabilitation.

The implication: the most publicized divorce in golf history reshaped both their lives permanently.

What condition does Tiger Woods have?

What surgeries has Tiger Woods had?

Woods has undergone multiple orthopaedic procedures. His first back surgery was in 2014 for a pinched nerve. After a DUI arrest in 2017 revealed traces of painkillers, he underwent anterior lumbar interbody fusion — a spinal fusion that required a bone graft and metal hardware. He also had three knee surgeries between 1994 and 2008. Most recently, in March 2025, he ruptured his left Achilles tendon during training and had a minimally invasive repair (PGA Championship preview).

How has his condition affected his golf career?

Chronic back pain has limited Woods to a handful of tournaments per year since 2018. After the 2021 car crash that fractured his right leg, he returned for limited starts but never played a full schedule. In March 2025, Rory McIlroy confirmed that Woods would miss the entire PGA Tour season because of the Achilles injury.

The pattern: each surgery buys time but never fully restores his peak mobility.

Is Tiger Woods still with Vanessa Trump?

Who is Vanessa Trump?

Vanessa Trump, 47, is the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr. and the mother of five children. She and Woods were first linked romantically in early 2023 after being seen together at a golf event in South Florida. The relationship became public that year, though neither party has commented directly (People).

How long have they been dating?

Reports in early 2025 described Woods and Trump as “happy” together, but the exact timeline remains unclear (People). The relationship has not been confirmed by Woods or Trump in any official statement.

Bottom line: Woods appears to be in a stable relationship with Vanessa Trump, but the lack of direct confirmation means the full story remains private.

What this means: the public may never learn the full details of their private life.

What has happened to Tiger Woods?

Timeline of key events in Tiger Woods’ life

• 1975: Born in Cypress, California
• 1996: Turns professional
• 1997: Wins first Masters at age 21
• 2000: Wins U.S. Open by 15 strokes
• 2004: Marries Elin Nordegren
• 2009: Infidelity scandal erupts
• 2010: Divorce finalized
• 2014: First back surgery
• 2017: DUI arrest; spinal fusion surgery
• 2019: Wins Masters in emotional comeback
• 2021: Serious car crash fractures right leg
• 2023: Reports of dating Vanessa Trump
• 2025: Ruptures Achilles tendon; likely out for season

What was the 2021 car crash?

On February 23, 2021, Woods crashed his SUV in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. He suffered multiple leg fractures and underwent emergency surgery. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department determined the crash was caused by uncontrolled driving at high speed, with no evidence of impairment (Wikipedia).

The catch: this crash came just two years after his triumphant 2019 Masters win, underscoring how fragile his comeback was.

What is Tiger Woods accused of?

What were the 2009 infidelity allegations?

At least 12 women came forward between November 2009 and early 2010 claiming affairs with Woods. He publicly admitted to “transgressions” and entered a rehabilitation program for sex addiction (The New York Times). The scandal cost him several endorsements, including Accenture and AT&T.

What happened in the DUI arrest?

On May 29, 2017, Woods was found asleep at the wheel of his Mercedes in Jupiter, Florida. A blood test revealed traces of Vicodin, Xanax, Ambien, and THC. He pleaded guilty to reckless driving and completed a diversion program (USA Today). In a statement, he said he was “taking responsibility” and that the incident was a result of prescription medication for his back.

The pattern: off-course troubles repeatedly overshadowed his on-course achievements.

Who is the wealthiest golfer ever?

How does Tiger Woods’ net worth compare?

With an estimated net worth of $800 million, Woods is widely regarded as the wealthiest golfer in history (Forbes). His career earnings from endorsements alone—primarily Nike, TaylorMade, and Rolex—exceed $1.5 billion.

Who are other wealthy golfers?

• Arnold Palmer: Estimated $875 million (mostly from licensing)
• Greg Norman: Estimated $400 million
• Phil Mickelson: Estimated $400 million

Bottom line: Woods sits at the top of golf’s financial pyramid, but Arnold Palmer’s posthumous licensing deals have kept his fortune competitive.

The implication: Woods’ earning power remains unique, but legacy wealth can outlast active careers.

Timeline

The timeline below captures the major milestones and setbacks that defined Woods’ life.

The pattern: each high is followed by a devastating low, creating a career of extreme peaks and valleys.

Clarity: What we know vs. what remains open

Quotes from key figures

“I was blindsided by the revelations.”

Elin Nordegren, speaking to People magazine in 2010 (People)

“I am deeply sorry for my irresponsible and selfish behavior.”

Tiger Woods, public apology, February 2010 (The New York Times)

“I won’t be able to play in the first part of the TGL season.”

Tiger Woods, press conference, November 2024

Tiger Woods will miss the entire 2025 PGA Tour season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Rory McIlroy, as reported by GolfMagic

The pattern: each quote reveals a different facet of a life lived under intense scrutiny.

Summary

Tiger Woods remains the most compelling figure in golf — a champion whose body has repeatedly failed him and whose personal life has been a tabloid staple for two decades. For fans hoping to see him compete again, the 2025 Achilles injury may be the cruelest setback yet. The choice for Woods is clear: either accept a life of occasional ceremonial appearances, or push through another grueling recovery in pursuit of one last competitive moment. Either way, the clock is ticking.

Frequently asked questions

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