Tiger Woods splits from girlfriend Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn

Tiger Woods has split for his girlfriend Lindsey Vonn.

The golfer and skiing star were together for three years.

Vonn announced the split in a Facebook post on Sunday, explaining that the break up was mutual and resulted from the demands of their busy work schedules.

The Olympic gold medalist said: "I will always cherish the memories that we've created together. Unfortunately, we both lead incredibly hectic lives that force us to spend a majority of our time apart.

"I will always admire and respect Tiger. He and his beautiful family will always hold a special place in my heart," she added.

Vonn recently talked about her relationship with Woods during an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers.

She has frequently been seen supporting the golfer from the sidelines at his tournament games.

Just last month, she chaperoned Woods' two children at the Augusta National Golf Club who caddied for their father in the Masters Tournament.

Similarly Woods travelled to Italy to watch Vonn win at the World Cup, where she set a new record as the most successful female in Alpine skiing history.

Vonn and Woods have been open about their relationship. In an interview with Self Magazine last year, Vonn said her boyfriend had made her a better person.

"He's helped me stay patient through rehab," Vonn said. "Golf is all about patience - one tournament is four days long, 18 holes a day. He helped me take it one day at a time.

"We're good for each other," she continued. "I don't know what he's learned from me, to be honest. But we push each other and help each other when we're down."

Before dating Vonn, Woods was married to former Swedish model Elin Nordegren from 2003 until 2010. They were divorced following revelations of his widespread infidelities were reported by the National Enquirer.

Woods and Nordegren have two children together, an 8-year-old daughter named Sam Alexis Woods and a 6-year-old son named Charlie Axel Woods.

Vonn was previously married to her former coach and ex-husband Thomas Vonn.