has released a statement confirming his relationship with Donald Trump's former daughter-in-law as the golf icon professed 'love is in the air'. The 15-time major winner by revealing his romance with Vanessa Trump, the ex-wife of Trump's son Donald Jnr, in a statement on social media. Coupled with two images of the pair holding each other arm in arm, Woods, 49, indicated that the relationship has reached a serious stage with Vanessa, 48, and pleaded for privacy so they could enjoy their whirlwind romance.

In a post on his X account, Woods wrote to his 6.4 million followers: "Love is in the air and life is better with you by my side! We look forward to our journey through life together. At this time we would appreciate privacy for all those close to our hearts." While Tiger didn't confirm how long they have been an item, reports suggest the duo have been dating since Thanksgiving in 2024. They had sparked rumours when they were spotted together at a golf tournament in February. Both Tiger and Vanessa reside in the wealthy Palm Beach area and live only 20 minutes apart, with Vanessa making 'several visits' to his home on Jupiter Island, per the Daily Mail.

Vanessa was married to Trump Jnr for 13 years before they divorced in 2018. They share five children together, including budding golfer Kai, 17, who is primed to play golf at the University of Miami next year. Kai also attends the Benjamin School - the same privately-educated institution as Woods's children, Sam and Charlie - with the latter competing at the same invitational event as her this week.

Woods' announcement was somewhat similar to when he dated former USA skier Lindsey Vonn between 2013 and 2015. He also had a similar relationship that became widely known with Erica Herman, which began shortly after breaking up with Vonn. The couple dated for seven years until their acrimonious split in 2022.

Like his new partner, Woods was previously married and shares his two children, Sam and Charlie, with Swedish former model Elin Nordegren.

She filed for divorce in 2010 after six years of marriage when Woods' adultery was made public and settled for £100million. Vanessa was granted an 'uncontested' divorce from Trump Jnr in 2018 in which she also claimed custody of their children.

Woods has maintained a positive relationship with the Trumps in recent years and played golf with the 45th and 47th U.S President on several occasions.

He was awarded the medal of freedom by Trump in 2019 and even made a trip to the White House to discuss the future of golf.