Tiger's wife could get $1b payout

Tiger Woods will not be allowed to let girlfriends near his children in a $1 billion divorce settlement with Elin Nordegren, it was reported yesterday.

British tabloid the Sun said the deal for the record payout stipulated the golfer would introduce the couple's two children, Sam, 3, and Charlie, 1, only to a new wife.

Ms Nordegren has agreed to never speak publicly about Woods' alleged affairs with up to 20 women, including pornography actress Joslyn James.

An unnamed friend told the tabloid: "Elin is desperate to protect the children from the womanising side of their father.

"Tiger's main fear is her telling her story after he's rebuilt his reputation, sending him back to the gutter."

Ms Nordegren is expected to receive double the amount of money she originally asked for after her lawyers proved that Woods, 34, was worth much more than the US$1 billion ($1.46 billion) she had estimated.

The divorce is expected to be finalised within the week.

Ms Nordegren also reportedly gets sole physical custody of their children although they will share legal custody, meaning they will not move to their mother's home country, Sweden.

"Elin admits that despite everything, Tiger loves his kids and has been a decent dad," the friend said. "She is confident he will not pursue seeing the children that much, due to his work and lifestyle."

- STAFF REPORTER