Tiger Woods’ divorce settlement is finalized

Tiger Woods’ long-anticipated divorce settlement has been finalized.

Lawyers for Elin Nordegren Woods filed the petition Monday in Panama City, Fla., to dissolve the marriage — 270 days after the bizarre SUV wreck outside their Isleworth, Fla., home that left the golfer needing medical attention and pulled back the curtain on a large-ensemble sex scandal.

By midday, the divorce was official after the golfer waived the 20-day waiting period stipulated by Florida law. Both Woods and Nordegren were on hand for Monday’s proceedings.

“We are sad that our marriage is over and we wish each other the very best for the future,” Woods and Nordegren said in a joint statement. Terms of the divorce were not disclosed, except that they will share parenting of their two young children.

Daughter Sam Alexis turned 3 during June’s U.S. Open; son Charlie Axel is 18 months.

“While we are no longer married, we are the parents of two wonderful children and their happiness has been, and will always be, of paramount importance to both of us,” the statement continued.

“The weeks and months ahead will not be easy for them as we adjust to a new family situation, which is why our privacy must be a principal concern.”

Woods, 34, is scheduled to compete this week in the Barclays, the first event in the PGA Tour’s four-week “playoff” schedule. Plans call for him to address the media Wednesday, after his pro-am round at Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, N.J.

Still No. 1 in golf’s world rankings, Woods has sidestepped questions all summer about the status of his marriage. Though he has spoken at times of his children, he has been careful to make no mention of Nordegren either by name or association.

jshain@tribune.com