Tiger Woods confirms relationship with Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn on Facebook

Golf superstar Tiger Woods has gone public about his love life for the first time since his infidelity scandal to confirm he is dating Olympic skiing champion Lindsey Vonn.

The 37-year-old Woods and the 28-year-old Vonn, a huge sporting name in her own right in the US, posted studio photos on their respective Facebook pages to confirm they are together.

The golfer's golden boy image was shattered in 2009 after revelations of his many extramarital affairs became public knowledge, ending his five-year marriage to Elin Nordegren.

The 14-time major winner took a break from the sport he had dominated for years and struggled badly upon returning to the world tour.

But he is now back on top of his game, with the American poised to regain golf's number one ranking from Rory McIlroy if he wins this week's Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Woods issued a statement on his page to announce the change in his relationship status, referring to the happiness he was now experiencing on and off the course.

This season has been great so far and I'm happy with my wins at Torrey and Doral. Something nice that's happened off the course was meeting Lindsey Vonn. Lindsey and I have been friends for some time, but over the last few months we have become very close and are now dating. We thank you for your support and for respecting our privacy. We want to continue our relationship, privately, as an ordinary couple and continue to compete as athletes.

The announcement comes two months after Vonn finalised her own divorce to Thomas Vonn, though she has opted to retain his surname.