Tiger Woods said during a press conference at Bay Hill, that he went public with his relationship with skier Lindsey Vonn via social media in order to avoid harassment from tabloid media and to protect his children. Woods, 37, and Vonn, 28, used their Facebook and Twitter accounts to officially announce that they have been dating for several months.

"It's very simple. We're very happy where we're at, but also we wanted to limit the 'stalkarazzi' and all those sleazy websites that are out there following us," Woods said. "I've had situations where it's been very dangerous for my kids and the extent they'll go to. We basically devalued the first photos."

"Unfortunately, that's just the way it is in our society right now, and we felt like it was the best thing to do. I'm very happy about it."

One of the most polarizing figures in sports, Woods faced the tabloid media when news broke of extramarital affairs leading to his divorce from then-wife Elin Nordegren.

Woods' golf game has improved as the former world No. 1 has played some of his best golf since his return to the game in 2010. Injuries and personal problems began a downward spiral that lost Woods the top ranking he held for five years on Oct. 31, 2010, dropping at one point to 58th in the world.

Woods has a chance to regain the No.1 ranking in the world with a victory at Bay Hill this week.