Tiger Woods, known for his dominance on the golf course, once had what seemed like a picture-perfect marriage with his ex-wife Elin Nordegren. Before headlines about scandal and betrayal took over, they built a life together, even welcoming two children along the way.
But their story didn’t end the way they had imagined. Their marriage unraveled in one of the most publicized breakups in sports history, leaving many wondering how things fell apart and where they stand today.
Here’s a look at their relationship, what led to their divorce, and how they’ve co-parented since.
Who Is Tiger Woods’ Ex-Wife Elin Nordegren?
She had a brief career in modeling, appearing on the cover of Café Sport magazine in the summer of 2000. However, Elin was more focused on her work as a nanny though it wasn’t her goal.
She spent a year caring for the children of Swedish golfer Jesper Parnevik, a job that ultimately led to her introduction to Tiger Woods. What started as a professional opportunity soon turned into a high-profile romance that put her in the global spotlight.
When Did Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren Get Married?
Woods and Elin got engaged in November 2003, two years after being introduced by Swedish golfer Jesper Parnevik at The Open Championship. At the time, Elin was working as an au pair for Parnevik’s family.
They tied the knot on October 5, 2004, in a lavish ceremony at the Sandy Lane resort in Barbados. The wedding was a private affair, with security guards ensuring no interruptions as 200 guests, including close friends, family, and sports legends like Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley, celebrated the occasion.
Despite the grand setting, Woods appeared calm and composed. A source told PEOPLE, “He didn’t act like he was going to get married. He was very relaxed, like this was any other day for him.”
After the wedding, the couple settled in Isleworth, an upscale golf community in Windermere, Florida, where they began their life together.
They Have Two Children
During their marriage, Tiger and his ex-spouse Elin welcomed two children together.
Their daughter, Sam Alexis Woods, was born on June 18, 2007. Her name was a tribute to Woods’ late father, Earl, who used to call Tiger “Sam” when he was a child.
Two years later, on February 8, 2009, they had their son, Charlie Axel Woods. Tiger explained that they chose the name simply because it “just fit,” while his middle name, Axel, was a nod to Nordegren’s brother.
Both Sam and Charlie grew up around golf, often seen supporting their father at tournaments. Charlie, in particular, has followed in his dad’s footsteps, even attempting to qualify for the PGA Tour in February 2024, though he didn’t make the cut.
The Couple Divorced in 2010
By late 2009, Woods’ marriage with Elin Nordegren was in turmoil. Rumors of infidelity swirled until Woods publicly admitted to multiple affairs.
Nordegren chose not to share details about the scandal, but in a rare interview with PEOPLE, she described the emotional toll. “I’ve been through hell,” she said. “It’s hard to think you have this life, and then all of a sudden—was it a lie? You’re struggling because it wasn’t real. But I survived. It was hard, but it didn’t kill me.”
The couple finalized their divorce on August 23, 2010, at the Bay County Circuit Court in Panama City, Florida.
Initially, reports claimed Nordegren received a $750 million settlement, but the actual figure was closer to $100 million. Though she never sought the money, she acknowledged how it made life easier. “Money doesn’t make you happy, but I have to be honest: it is making some things easier. I have the opportunity to be with my children as much as I want, and I am able to travel to see my family and also have them come here as often as I like,” she told PEOPLE.
Despite the public fallout, Nordegren moved forward with her life. In May 2014, she earned a degree in psychology from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, graduating with honors and receiving the Outstanding Senior Award for her academic achievements
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren’s Relationship After Divorce: Co-Parenting and Moving On
After their divorce, the two shifted their focus to co-parenting their two children. While their marriage ended in controversy, they eventually built a strong, respectful relationship for the sake of their family.
“They’re friends now,” a source shared. “Everything that happened in the past is in the past. They both decided to be adults and to do what was best for the kids. So they get along really well. Tiger says really great things about Elin. He never complains about her, ever … The kids love them both.”
Both Woods and Nordegren have moved on romantically since their split.
In 2011, Nordegren had a brief relationship with American businessman Jamie Dingman, followed by a longer relationship with billionaire Chris Cline from 2013 to 2017. She later found stability with former NFL player Jordan Cameron, with whom she has three children.
Her first child with Cameron, a son named Arthur, was born in October 2019. In December 2022, she welcomed their second child, reportedly a daughter. The couple has since had a third child, expanding her family beyond her life with Woods.
Where Does Elin Nordegren Live Now? Her Net Worth
Nordegren currently resides in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. In 2020, she purchased a 16,841-square-foot mansion in the exclusive Old Palm Golf Club community for $9.926 million. The luxurious property features six bedrooms and nine bathrooms, offering both privacy and comfort for her growing family.
As for her net worth, Nordegren is estimated to be worth $200 million, with a significant portion coming from her $100 million divorce settlement from Tiger Woods. Over the years, she has invested in real estate and maintained a private, low-profile lifestyle while focusing on raising her children.
