For several decades, Tiger Woods has been one of the most recognizable names in golf. After a high-profile divorce, relationships with other celebrities, and a stint in rehab for sex addiction, the golfer seemed to be nearly settled down. However, he broke up with the love of his 5 years, Erica Herman, in March 2023.
Who is Tiger Woods’ ex-girlfriend Erica Herman? Did she file a lawsuit against the golfer? Read more about her fascinating relationship with Tiger and their post-separation controversies.
Who Is Erica Herman?
Erica Herman is a former restaurant manager from Jupiter, Florida, mostly known for dating Tiger Woods. She had lived most of her life outside of the public eye and only became famous in 2017 when her relationship with Tiger was first announced.
Since then, Erica has continued to be by Tiger’s side, supporting him at various events. They have dated for over three years, making this Tiger’s longest relationship since he and Elin Nordegren divorced.
Because she was an average, middle-class woman before meeting Tiger, Erica has had to deal with many claims that she’s a “gold-digger.” However, as her relationship with Tiger progressed, Erica showed her devotion to Tiger and was uninterested in fame or drama. His kids reportedly believe her, and many people who are close to the couple credit her for turning Tiger’s life around.
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Erica Herman’s Biography
Erica was born on February 15, 1984, making her roughly 10 years younger than Tiger. So far, little is known about Tiger Woods’ girlfriend’s place of birth or upbringing, though some sources report she has a Jewish background. Over the years, Erica spent some time in New York before moving to Florida. In Florida, Herman studied at the University of Central Florida, where her major was political science.
Erica has been working in the restaurant industry for years. She started working as a bartender to pay for college but quickly advanced to management positions. She’s worked at many notable spots, including The Aura Bar and Restaurant of Orlando. In 2015, Erica was chosen as the general manager of The Woods restaurant. Under her management, the restaurant was widely successful.
Before Tiger, Erica had no interest in dating anyone famous. Her past relationship was with Jesse Newton, the CEO of the Jin and Tonic Hospitality Group. They were together for over eight years and lived together for quite a while.
How Did Tiger Woods Meet His Girlfriend?
It’s unclear exactly when Erica and Tiger met. However, they have known each other since 2015. In 2015, Erica started managing Tiger’s new restaurant, The Woods. The two worked together professionally for quite a while.
However, sparks started to fly very quickly. When Tiger was dating stylist Kristin Smith, Kristin was reportedly jealous over his relationship with Erica. Their relationship ended due to Tiger cheating with someone, and some sources report Erica may have been the person he was having an affair with.
When Tiger needed a fourth back surgery in April of 2017, Erica was the person he turned to for help. At the time, those who knew the couple praised Erica for her ability to remain positive and encouraging even though Tiger struggled physically, professionally, and legally. In the next few months, they got closer and closer.
Does Erica Have Any Dark Secrets?
Erica and Tiger’s relationship might seem like a dream now, but life wasn’t always good for Erica. Her past relationship with Jesse Newton led to some issues for Erica. In 2010, Erica and Jesse tried to start a chain of nightclubs. However, the business folded, and investors sued the couple to get their money back.
Erica lost the lawsuit and was ordered to pay investors over $240,000 in fees, fines, and interest. Her paychecks are being garnished to slowly pay back the debt over time. Reportedly, she has not accepted any money from Tiger to pay the debt immediately.
Following the collapse of the investment, Erica has also dealt with some other financial problems. Crescent Bank sued her for failure to pay an auto loan, and her $13,000 BMW was repossessed. In 2014, she and Jesse were evicted for failing to pay the rent on their apartment.
Also Read: CBS Reporter Amanda Balionis Reveals How Tiger Woods Left Her With Her “Legs Shaking”
Highlights of Erica and Tiger’s Relationship
Erica and Tiger were reportedly good friends for years. Erica first started working with Tiger in 2015. In May 2017, she supported Tiger by accompanying him to court for his reckless driving charges. However, they only revealed their relationship in September 2017.
At the Presidents Cup, Tiger gave Erica a highly coveted “player spouse credential” that allowed her to socialize with all the other golfers, golf wives, and golf girlfriends. Though they didn’t officially announce their relationship, Woods and Herman were spotted holding hands and snuggling up together. This all seemed to signal that Erica Herman was Tiger Woods’ girlfriend.
Early 2018 was also a big milestone for Erica and Tiger. Over the holidays, Erica accompanied Tiger and his two children, 11-year-old Sam and nine-year-old Charlie, to the Bahamas. Erica reportedly gets along very well with Tiger’s children. Though she doesn’t try to take a motherly role, she is good friends with both kids.
Throughout 2018, people noticed that Erica was a grounding influence for Tiger. One notable instance occurred in July of 2018. When Tiger lost the British Open, he didn’t storm away in a rage like he usually does. Instead, he simply went to chat quietly with Erica and walked out with her calmly.
Another significant moment for the couple came at the Masters in 2019. After not winning the tournament since 2005, Tiger made a comeback and won for a surprising fifth time. What did he do after his historic win? He and Erica captivated the nation with their passionate kiss moments after Tiger’s win.
Erica Herman’s Lawsuit Against Tiger Woods
Their breakup became official in March 2023 when Erica filed a lawsuit against Woods. She had filed two lawsuits against the golfer and his trust that owns his Florida Mansion. In her lawsuit against Woods, she aimed to invalidate a non-disclosure agreement she signed in August 2017, when the two began dating.
According to CBS, Herman filed a lawsuit accusing Woods of forcing her out of the mansion in 2022, while she claimed to have an agreement until 2026. Under the Florida Residential Landlord Tenant Act, she sued the Woods’ Trust for $30 million over consequential monetary damages, injunctive relief, and attorneys’ fees.
However, she dropped her lawsuit against Woods in November 2023. While there was no report of a settlement between the two parties, the golf legend is free from any legal controversy. Regarding his future, Tiger Woods is currently not dating anyone, at least in the public eye.
Also Read: Who Is Elin Nordegren? Everything To Know About Tiger Woods’ Ex-Wife
