Updated: How Does the Former Wife of Tiger Woods Appear Today?

Elin Nordegren’s Pre-Tiger Woods Days

Born on the first day of 1980, Elin Maria Pernilla Nordegren comes from Stockholm, Sweden. She is the daughter of Barbro Holmberg, a prominent politician, and Thomas Nordegren, a well-known radio journalist, both very renowned personas in their homeland. Elin shares her family tree with two siblings – her senior brother, Axel, and her twin sister, Josefin.

Though their parents were ‘minor celebrities’, Elin and Josefin weren’t spoiled at all. Instead, they learned to earn their keep. The twins worked regular jobs, such as being supermarket cashiers, in order to pay for their education. This hard work paid off for Elin in many ways, eventually giving her the discipline needed to graduate with honors from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, four years after her divorce from Tiger. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

Her Big Break: Cover Girl

This young lady perfectly embodies the fusion of aesthetics and intellect. From her youth, she struck an admirable equilibrium between these two attributes. Prior to her academia’s culmination and Tiger Woods’ entry into her life, Nordegren established herself in the modeling domain. It’s universally known that mere physical appeal isn’t sufficient for thriving in this industry. It correspondingly demands intellectual acuity, alongside an immense amount of willpower and robust persona.

She did her first photo-shoot back in 2000. It didn’t take long before she was chosen as the cover girl of the Swedish men’s magazine, Cafe Sport. This would cement her career and reputation as a model in her native country, but this wasn’t what would make her famous globally. That moment would take a few more years.

US Career

In 2001, Nordegren worked in a clothing store in Stockholm called Champagne. This was where she came across Mia Parnevik, the wife of renowned Swedish golfer Jesper Parnevik. Parnevik invited Nordegren to work for the family as their kids’ nanny. Little did she know this would set her on a life-changing path.

Taking up the role required Elin to relocate to the United States. Intrigued about the opportunities that were in store for her in the US, Elin organized her luggage, bid farewell to her loved ones, and journeyed with the Parneviks to the Promised Land. Upon her arrival, it wasn’t much time until Elin started making her mark.

Her Intelligence And Beauty Did Not Go Unnoticed

Elin Nordegren, unlike some individuals who feel ill at ease in unfamiliar situations, did not experience any discomfort or awkwardness being the newcomer. Introduced to the sports universe by the Parneviks, this woman from Sweden was embraced warmly, steadily moving her towards international recognition and celebrity status.

A number of unattached golfers were captivated by the striking lady, and who could fault them? Just view this picture and convince us she isn’t absolutely breathtaking! Understandably, she was the object of many men’s affection. However, her destiny would ultimately connect her with the most accomplished golfer of recent times.

Tiger Woods Was No Exception

Much like the numerous golf enthusiasts who were captivated by Nordegren’s charisma and attractiveness, Tiger Woods was no exception. However, Nordegren was already in a relationship when she crossed paths with Woods. Therefore, when the good-looking golfer showed romantic interest and invited her on a date, she appropriately turned down the request of the highly decorated champion.

Tiger Woods was undeterred, however. It appeared as though the famed golfer was thoroughly captivated by Elin Nordegren’s elegance and intellect, therefore he didn’t accept rejection. He persisted in inviting her out for over a year, and finally, his continuous effort and determination reaped significant rewards.

The Two Started Dating

Almost twenty years ago, in 2001, Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren crossed paths for the first time. Their introduction was coordinated by the Parneviks at the British Open. From that point forward, their journey together began, establishing both of them as household names across the globe, though not always for the best reasons.

Looking back, Mia Parnevik harbored a deep sense of remorse for bringing Nordegren into Tiger Woods’ life. However, in all fairness, neither she nor her husband could have predicted Tiger’s tendency towards infidelity. Incredibly, not even a hint of it was apparent to anyone. Therefore, the revelation was a complete surprise to fans and friends, stunning them profoundly.

The Proposal

The couple went out for three years, going on multiple whirlwind dates that some would consider to be straight out of a fairy tale. In 2003, Tiger Woods asked for Elin Nordegren’s hand in marriage at a prestigious and luxurious holiday destination in South Africa called Shamwari Game Reserve.

Elin Nordegren was naturally ecstatic! She believed that she was on the verge of experiencing her own “happy ending.” Her future was appearing as promising as a fairy tale. However, she (and the rest of the world) had no idea that an enormous heartbreak and worldwide scandal were just around the corner.

The Million-Dollar Nuptials

On October 19, 2004, Nordegren had the wedding of her dreams. The couple said their vows in a luxurious resort in Barbados called the Sandy Lane Complex. It was a textbook luxurious wedding that almost every bride would jump at.

For a week-long period, Woods exclusively booked the property with 110 rooms and three golf courses, incurring a cost nearing $2 million. He didn’t hesitate to pay the steep bill; after all, as one of the most accomplished golfers ever, such a figure was insignificant compared to his vast earnings from victories and endorsements.

The Supportive Wife

As Tiger Woods claimed victory at the 2005 Masters, Elin Nordegren was by his side. Echoing the well-known phrase, behind every accomplished man is a formidable woman. Sure enough, in this scenario, the triumph was significant and indeed, there was certainly a dynamic woman in support of the man.

In the past, Tiger Woods conveyed to journalists that his relationship with Elin was as steady as ever. They tackled any problems that arose using the same competence maintained in their professional lives. It appeared that their union was unshakeable during this period and Elin Nordegren was thriving magnificently.

Their First Child

After three years of marital bliss that seemed to be a perfect fairy-tale, the joyous couple declared the arrival of a little healthy bundle of joy, Sam Alexis, a girl child. Intriguingly, the birth of sweet Sam happened the day post Woods’ finish as the runner up in the US Open. It certainly gave an impression that the universe was conspiring to bestow the joyous couple with a beautiful tomorrow.

The Woods family was at a fantastic point in their life, everything was falling into place beautifully. Their marriage was steadfast, they had begun planning for a joyful family, and their life journey was progressing at full speed. The public was always intrigued, keeping a close watch on this well-known couple with fond admiration.

Enter Kid Number Two

The Woods household expanded by one boy, Charlie Axel, whom they welcomed on September 2, 2008, two years following the arrival of their first child. Elin was leading the life that many girls envision for themselves in the future. Sharing tales about her joyful family never seemed to bore the media.

Although everything appeared to be aligning perfectly, the Woods family was on the brink of facing some significant hurdles. Trouble began when Tiger Woods became embroiled in a potentially fatal accident.

The Infamous Car Crash

In 2009, on Thanksgiving Day, Tiger Woods experienced a severe car crash that resulted in significant damage to his automobile, although it could have had more disastrous aftermaths. His fluctuating consciousness was influenced by a cocktail of sleeping meds and pain relievers he had consumed earlier. Eventually, he passed out and was immediately transported to the hospital.

It seems the car wreck happened immediately after Nordegren discovered Woods’ multiple infidelities. It’s plausible that the exposure of his unfaithfulness to his spouse caused Woods to reach a breaking point and consume the medication that led to the accident, almost costing him his life.

The Confession

After the episode, details about Woods’ extramarital affairs became public knowledge. A server revealed that she had been in a clandestine relationship with Woods for three years. The media swiftly began a wild chase, creating a ripple effect that not only shocked the Woods family but also startled people across the globe.

Woods acknowledged his infidelity (along with numerous others) and unveiled his plans to take an unlimited hiatus from his golfing profession to devote time to mend his marriage. The public response towards this choice varied, with some showing sympathy while others expressing skepticism and dissatisfaction. This controversy stirred the sports and entertainment sectors like no one had seen before.

Working Things Out

Woods took the initiative to rehabilitate his life and mend his damaged relationship by checking himself into Pine Grove Behavioral Health And Addiction Services, a Mississippi rehabilitation establishment that provides programs for sex addiction. This was perceived by many of his followers as the commencement of his journey towards redemption.

Despite the prevailing hope for a positive conclusion, Woods never revealed the specifics of his therapy. Although his first move was admirable, it appears the harm done and the sting of betrayal was too severe. The subsequent news, while startling, was not entirely surprising.

Too Little, Too Late

Woods’ attempts to salvage his marriage proved to be unsuccessful. The revelation was widely discussed and dominated many, if not all, entertainment news broadcasts for several months afterwards.

On August 23, 2010, Tiger and Elin initiated their divorce proceedings in the Bay County Circuit Court of Panama, Florida, attributing their split to insurmountable disagreements. Nordegren’s secret advantage in her legal battle was the presence of her twin sister, Josefin, on her legal squad. Each moment of this procedure was under intense public scrutiny, with the world observing every development.

A $100 Million Divorce

Elin Nordegren’s unique fairy tale didn’t conclude entirely in sorrow. Despite the emotional toll, her divorce settlement netted her an astounding $100 million, marking it as one of the costliest resolutions in history! It was a triumph, although it was still tinged with emotional distress.

In the aftermath of her divorce, Nordegren opted to retreat from public life. She sought to distance herself from distressing reminders and relentless media scrutiny seeking fresh news. Naturally, recuperating from the emotionally taxing experience and regaining her footing in life was also a priority for her.

A Life Of Peace

Nordegren kept mum for four years after the shocking divorce. She abstained from giving interviews and refrained from commenting on her unsuccessful marriage with the renowned golfer. Many would undoubtedly endorse her choice, particularly given the remarkable public attention their union and ensuing divorce received.

In 2014, Elin Nordegren finally lifted the veil of silence sharing the hardships she had experienced during the toughest phase of her life. However, her primary concern was always her children. Every action she took was driven by their well-being.

Getting Help

Nordegren confessed that she sought psychological assistance to manage the frustration that arose from the infidelity of her former husband. For some time, she was in disbelief, unable to accept that her marriage was destined to culminate in such a melancholic fashion. It’s probable that anyone going through a similar situation would likely experience similar feelings.

Despite receiving a substantial financial settlement from the divorce, it was insufficient to compensate for the emotional distress caused by Tiger’s unfaithfulness to her and their two kids. Although the money undeniably aided in securing a promising future for her children, it wasn’t the solution to everything, nor could it obliterate the emotional and psychological scars she had suffered.

Continuing Her Studies

Elin Nordegren’s story altered the traditional narrative – she utilized her tumultuous experiences as a tool for self-improvement, rejecting any sense of self-pity, and continued her education. She proudly completed her psychology degree in 2014 with impressive distinctions. Her journey serves as a glowing representation that a damsel in distress can indeed rescue herself, without the need for a prince to intervene.

Elin was invited to address the graduation ceremony, symbolizing her resilience after the controversy of her matrimonial life. Her ability to bounce back and stand strong was an inspiration to the students she was addressing.

Facing The Pain

Elin Nordegren maintained her silence concerning her marital issues and her ex-husband’s infidelity until her graduation speech at Rollins College in May 2014. Speaking out publicly, not only to her fellow students but to the world at large, was a significant step in her healing process.

Taking a stand in front of her peers, coworkers, and friends, Elin Nordegren addressed her past struggles. The woman from Sweden referred to it as “the wild storm of my personal life” and finalized her statements by assuring the listeners, “I’m no longer married.” In addition, she was recognized as the Outstanding Graduating Senior of the Hamilton Holt School.

A $12 Million Mansion

Nordegren invested the money she received from her divorce settlement into a $12 million estate in Florida. The mansion, which was originally constructed in the 1920s, was in desperate need of significant repairs. Consequently, based on her architect’s recommendations, she decided to knock down the old building and erect a completely new property in its place.

Before the house was torn down, she invited Habitat for Humanity to rescue as much as possible from the antique building. The charity was able to auction off a $3.7 million fountain adorned with lion-shaped spouts, wine chillers, fridges, and additional pieces of furniture. Now, Nordegren’s luxurious residence includes 11 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms. Surprisingly, she obtained a content ending, albeit different from the one initially anticipated!

The Other Side

While Elin Nordegren got (and definitely deserved) the public’s sympathy, Tiger Woods withstood the pressure and criticism and got on with his life after rehab. In his 2017 memoir, Unprecedented: The Masters and Me, he shared his thoughts on his marriage and betrayal of his ex-wife, offering people a glimpse at the other side of the story.

Tiger Woods confessed, “Elin Nordegren, their mother, and I were deeply in love when we tied the knot in 2004. However, I was unfaithful to her. My dishonesty and self-centeredness inflicted immense pain on her. We tried to mend the harm I had caused, but we failed.” This was a raw admission from the person directly accountable for Elin’s suffering.

Becoming Friends

It may astound many to learn that Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren have not only resolved their past issues but also developed a friendship. In fact, Woods states that they are “best friends”. Given the tumultuous scandal and bitter divorce they experienced, most people found this revelation to be quite a surprise.

“Tiger Woods expressed, “Maintaining such a wonderful relationship with her is incredible. We assist each other whenever possible. We navigate together through the children’s upbringing program. Now, she has come to be one of my closest friends, all thanks to the bond we share through our children.”

Communication Is Key

Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren decided to renew their friendship for the benefit of their children, maintaining it through open communication. According to Woods, this was something that was missing during their marriage. He expressed regret about what might have been if they had managed to strengthen their communication before their relationship reached its end.

He expressed his wish to have had a more transparent and sincere relationship with his former wife if he could turn back the clock. Had they openly discussed and shared their issues, their frustrations would have surfaced. Now, they’ve achieved that open and honest communication, which he finds incredibly fantastic.

All For The Kids

In a discussion with TV host Stephen Colbert, Tiger Woods revealed how he and Elin Nordegren gradually overcame their shared distress and anguish to be the best parents for their children. According to him, their communication skills have significantly improved due to their deep affection for their kids. Woods reports an enormous improvement in their situation.

“We have Sam and we have Charlie. And we love them so much that we are going to do whatever it takes to make that work,” Tiger Woods stated in the interview. “That’s how it happened… I’ve talked to her about so many different things and she does the same thing with me back and forth.”

Telling The Kids

Tiger was candid enough to discuss his indiscretions with his children (albeit a condensed version). In an interview with Charlie Rose in October 2016, Woods admitted to the kids about his actions, referring to them as “mistakes”.

“In the interview, Tiger admitted to his faults and stated, ‘Daddy has made some errors. However, it’s essential to understand that everyone does commit mistakes, which is why daddy and mommy are living separately in their homes. But that’s perfectly all right.’ He intended to use his personal failures to demonstrate to his children the significance of honesty and transparent communication. He believed it was crucial to explain to them the reasons for their parents’ separation.”

So What’s Elin Up To Now?

Elin Nordegren has recently confirmed that she’s in a relationship with NFL athlete Jordan Cameron. She follows a quite private lifestyle and as such, little was known about her personal affairs. However, she left everyone astounded when she recently announced that she is expecting a baby with the star player.

The model and football player, who is nine years younger than her, will be the father of her third child. Sam, her other child, is already 12 years old, and Charlie is 10. Elin continues to uphold her statement from 2010, expressing her commitment to prioritizing her children. She said, “Our main focus is on planning our future in a way that best supports our children.”

Who Is Jordan Cameron?

Former Miami Dolphins standout, Jordan Cameron, once stood on the brink of a promising sports career. He was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the NFL Draft in 2011 and then transferred to Miami in 2015. However, the aspirational trajectory of this young athlete appeared to shift as fate intervened.

The physically demanding nature of American Football bears heavily on any player daring to step onto the field. This was the case for Jordan Cameron, who encountered the harsher aspects of the sport. He endured numerous injuries and concussions, leading to his decision to retire at the tender age of 28, providing a stark reminder of the game’s intensity.

Almost An NBA Star

Despite being recognized for his football skills and currently being Elin Nordegren’s partner, Jordan Cameron could have had a successful career in the NBA, if life had taken a different turn. Following his high school graduation, Cameron played basketball for Brigham Young University.

Destiny seemed to have a hand in paving the way for Jordan Cameron’s entry into the NFL, setting the stage for him to meet his future love, Elin Nordegren. In 2007, Cameron, who would later become an integral part of Nordegren’s life story, made a move to USC to play football, where he stood out as one of the team’s top performers in the wide receiver’s position.

Already A Family Man

The revelation of Elin’s pregnancy with Cameron’s child sent waves of joy among her Swedish enthusiasts who couldn’t wait for the new family’s arrival. However, what is less known is that Jordan Cameron is already well-experienced in fatherhood, given that he is a doting father to a son.

Tristan is the name of Jordan Cameron’s son who is 10 years old. The public knows little about him aside from the fact that his father is Jordan Cameron. Similar to Elin Nordegren, Jordan Cameron has opted to keep his personal life away from the public eye, which includes keeping the identity of Tristan’s mother a secret.

Keeping Things Under Wraps

Jordan Cameron maintains a highly private personal life. The retired NFL star only releases certain information to the public, preventing any leaks. Even his relationship with Elin Nordegren was kept secret until her pregnancy was announced. In fact, the exact duration of their relationship remains unsure.

There are speculations that the couple has been together for two years, while others suggest that they have been dating for just a year before it was publicly announced that Elin is pregnant with Jordan’s child. Regardless of the specifics, we are delighted for the newly formed pair and send them our best wishes!

Picking Up The Pieces

Elin tried to be strong even though it wasn’t that easy to just simply forget everything and move on. Her divorce might have been over, but the real battle had only just begun. In order to help her in her journey towards her newfound freedom, Elin decided to start journaling. In her journal, she reflected on her new life. Her feelings when Tiger cheated on her, the fact that she was now supposed to parent her children all by herself, how she’ll face her new future alone – she wrote all her feelings down.

Did Tiger Regret What Happened?

It’s indisputable that Tiger made a severe blunder in his relationship with Elin, inflicting intense pain and trauma on her. However, the public was particularly interested in whether Tiger had any remorse for his actions. Yet, in a 2016 interview, it appeared Tiger expressed little regret over this situation. When queried about any life regrets, the famed golfer said that his only remorse was not completing his degree at Stanford University. What a letdown.

On Speaking Terms

Even though a lot transpired between them, Elin surprisingly continued to speak with her ex-husband and even occasionally met him. However, Elin promptly clarified her motivation for doing so. As a devoted mother, she still wanted her kids to maintain a positive relationship with their father, despite his poor treatment of her. Elin insisted that while Tiger Woods might have failed as a husband, he was an excellent father to their children. Her single stipulation was that Woods could only introduce the children to his girlfriends if they ended up marrying.

Moving On From Elin

Despite the tremendous damage to Tiger’s reputation following the scandal, it didn’t prevent him from moving on and finding love again. Currently, he’s in a relationship with Erica Herman, a 33-year-old woman formerly serving as the general manager at Woods’ Florida restaurant. They started their relationship towards the end of 2017, and in line with Elin’s wishes, Tiger has kept her away from his children.

Tiger’s New Lover

Surprisingly – or maybe not surprisingly – Erica wasn’t the first woman in Tiger’s life. Before getting linked to Erica in 2017, Tiger was actually linked to another woman. Her name was Kristin Smith, and the golfer met her just a few months before he met Erica. The media were understandably fascinated with the couple, especially considering Kristin’s uncanny resemblance to Elin Nordegren. However, the pair didn’t last long.

Do Old Habits Die Hard?

Some news outlets suggest that Kristin speculated infidelity on Tiger’s part as the cause of their split. However, due to a confidentiality agreement reportedly signed when they were together, the single mother cannot divulge further information. Tiger’s past experiences have convinced many people about the speculated incidents. Indeed, a number of people held the belief that Tiger was romantically intertwined with Kristin, when he commenced his relationship with Erica in 2017, the same year he and Kristin parted ways.

Turning Over A New Leaf

In all fairness, Tiger made a sincere effort to change following the scandal. As you may recall, Tiger was allegedly unfaithful to Elin with over 100 different women throughout their 5-year marital life. However, after parting ways through divorce, Tiger proactively sought help and enrolled in a rehabilitation center, committed to bringing a positive transformation in his life.

How Tiger Met Erica

Tiger was introduced to Erica Herman, his present girlfriend, while she was overseeing his eatery in Florida. They made their relationship public in 2017 when they attended Tiger’s game at the President’s Cup. Since that time, they’ve been spotted at numerous events, effectively affirming their relationship to everyone.

The Power Of Love

Following the challenging phase in Tiger’s life, many supporters observed significant improvements in his character. They attributed this personal growth to Erica. While he was with Kristin, Tiger’s arrest for driving while intoxicated dealt a considerable blow to their relationship. However, once Erica became a part of his life, Tiger began a phase of relative stability, characterized by dwindling controversies and an uptick in championship victories.

Starting A New Life

Despite Elin’s unequivocal assertion that she didn’t wish for Tiger’s partners to interact with their kids, Erica appears to be a unique case. The 33-year-old woman shares a good rapport with Tiger’s offspring, Sam Alexis and Charlie Axel. Even though they rarely make public appearances or share multiple photos on social media, the few instances they do clearly display them enjoying their time together.

Moving On From The Past

Elin made the resolute decision to leave the past in the past and move forward. Despite the struggles, this committed mother of two was resolved to ensure it worked in the best interest of her children. In an attempt to facilitate this transition, Elin bought a new house for the trio on a secluded Florida beach. Desiring a completely fresh beginning, she chose to donate all the recoverable items from the house to her preferred charity.

Elin’s New Home

Elin’s 6-bedroom, 8-bathroom house took up over 9,000 square feet and cost roughly $12 million in total. It’s an oceanfront property with access to a private beach. True to her words, Elin chose the location partly because it was close to Tiger’s home – this is so that her children will still be able to see their father regularly. It’s very clear that despite everything Tiger did to her, Elin still put her children’s needs above her own.

A New Project

Elin was personally involved in renovating and remodeling her new residence. This served as an engaging diversion, allowing her to move beyond her past. Her generosity and kindness remained evident throughout the process. Indeed, she even discovered a method to assist others through this novel endeavor.

Charity Works

After thorough scrutiny of all the objects in her home, she was able to separate the ones that could be rescued from those that necessitated disposal. Elin then donated her salvageable items to Habitat For Humanity, an organization concentrated on offering adequate homes to people. Using the contribution from Elin, the organization orchestrated an auction. Eventually, they succeeded in garnering an enormous sum of money through the auction. Every cent generated was funneled into the organization’s charitable initiatives.

Elin’s Other Home

Elin’s extravagant residence in Florida might be mind-blowing, but believe it or not, it isn’t her sole asset. She also had a second property in the same state – a 2-bedroom townhouse situated in Juno Beach. Though it carries only a $1 million market value and does not compare to her main residence in terms of luxury, it remains rather remarkable. Guess what’s more astonishing? She was able to offload the townhouse for a whopping $2.2 million in 2011!

A New Home For Tiger

In a similar vein to Elin, Tiger Woods also transitioned into a new residence. However, rather than purchasing a pre-existing home, Tiger chose to create his own from the ground up. The famous golfer took the reins in conceiving and initiating his residential project on Jupiter Island, Florida, starting from his new house to his training facility. His personal golf course design firm, Tiger Woods Design, was at the helm of the entire endeavor.

Tiger’s New Facility

Having his own practice facility had always been a dream for Woods, making this a significant achievement for him. Despite his hectic schedule, he took personal responsibility for overseeing the construction. He characterizes it as a short-game facility comprised of “four greens, six bunkers with various depths and sand types, a video center, and a putting studio”. Provided there is no wind, the furthest he can hit is with a 7-iron. Additionally, the facility was uniquely designed to allow him to take shots directly from his second-floor studio.

About The Facility

Woods’ latest training center is undeniably the ultimate aspiration for every professional golf player. The facility features four uniquely contoured greens, comprehensive turfgrass management systems and can even simulate a variety of playing scenarios. Woods took immense care in ensuring that his facility was designed to encompass all possible requirements.

Guess How Much It Cost?

A property of such grandeur would undeniably demand a hefty price tag, yet can you imagine precisely how much? Evidently, Woods had to sign for a $50 million loan to afford his Jupiter Island residence. An additional $15 million was also invested in the new facility. These figures position his residence among the costliest in an area already known for its high-end property market.

Tiger’s Dream Pool

Tiger Woods was meticulous in the construction of his new house, therefore it’s no shock that his new swimming facility was given the same attention. His lap pool, which is located in his extensive backyard, exceeds 100 feet in length. Additionally, he boasts a diving pool that stretches 50 feet. Indeed, it must be quite a luxury to enjoy a weekend in such a carefully created haven.