Tiger Woods made what could have been an awkward phone call to his ex-wife Elin Nordegren to reveal his relationship with Vanessa Trump, the Daily Mail can reveal.
The golf star felt compelled to personally inform Nordegren about his romance with the former daughter-in-law of the president before the news became public.
"Tiger knew it was going to get out eventually so he had to make the phone call to Elin before his love life ended up in the newspapers again," a friend of Woods said.
The call took place in late December or early January, according to the insider close to the 49-year-old golfer.
Tiger Woods had to confess to his ex-wife about his relationship with Vanessa Trump
Reuters
Woods reportedly made the call because he knew his children were spending time with Trump, and he wanted Nordegren to hear about the relationship directly from him - setting up an awkward encounter.
"It was more of a call so she didn't learn about it in the news," the source added.
Nordegren, a 45-year-old Swedish model, was reportedly surprised by the identity of Woods' new partner.
"Her response at first was like 'Seriously? A Trump? For real?'," the insider revealed. "She was more amused than anything. But she really quickly just accepted it."
While Nordegren is not political, the source said she saw the inherent humour in Woods dating the mother to five of the president's grandchildren.
"Elin isn't one to react to things emotionally," the friend added.
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During the phone call, Woods told Nordegren that the romance with Trump was not serious at that time.
He did, however, inform her that Trump was spending more time around their children, Sam, 17, and Charlie, 16.
"She likes the kids; they like her," the insider revealed. "So there was really no reason for any drama with Elin."
The pair maintain a respectful co-parenting relationship, keeping each other informed about who spends time with their children.
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Tiger Woods is dating Donald Trump's daughter-in-law
Reuters
Woods and Trump live just 20 minutes apart in the wealthy Palm Beach area of Florida.
The pair were spotted together at the PGA Tour's Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines in California last month.
In February, Trump took her 17-year-old daughter Kai to watch a round of the TGL, the golf league created by Woods and Rory McIlroy.
Meanwhile, President Trump met up with Woods for a round of golf last month.
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Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren divorced back in 2010GETTYNordegren was married to Woods from 2004 until their divorce in 2010, following revelations of his affairs with multiple women.
The scandal erupted in November 2009, culminating in a dramatic incident where Nordegren chased after Woods' vehicle and smashed its rear window with one of his golf clubs.
Despite their tumultuous past, friends say Nordegren has largely forgiven Woods and supports his dating life.
Woods recently suffered a setback when he ruptured his Achilles tendon, requiring surgery.
