After weeks of feeling the heat from the Tiger Woods scandal, bikini-clad beauty Rachel Uchitel is feeling the heat of a different kind - that of a sun-soaked beach.

The 34-year-old club hostess has distanced herself from reports of the champion golfer's alleged infidelities, other than to deny having an affair with him.

And it looked as though she didn't have a care in the world as she took in the Florida sunshine during a Christmas break with friends.

Dog day afternoon: Club hostess Rachel Uchitel enjoys the Florida sunshine with her dog - just seven miles from where Tiger Woods moors his private yacht

Rearing to go: Rachel heads for a dip in the warm waters off the Florida coast

The native New Yorker is currently holidaying in Palm Beach, which just happens to be seven miles from where Woods moors his luxury yacht called 'Privacy'.

Although she has publicly denied an affair, a source told the New York Post that Miss Uchitel claimed to have met Woods during a party held by Derek Jeter, who plays for the New York Yankees, at his apartment.

'This girl has a real history of sleeping with rich, powerful and famous people,' a friend told the Post. 'Rachel is going to end up going on Oprah, telling her story - and doing Playboy.'

What's up dog? Rachel shows off her toned figure in her skull motif bikini

It's reported that Woods, 33, has been spending his days in seclusion in a house he owns near the family home in Windermere, Florida, eating cereal and watching cartoons.

It's claimed his devastated wife recently ripped up their pre-nuptual agreement during another blazing row.

Tiger reportedly offered "tens of millions" to Elin Nordegren, 29, in a new deal to save his marriage.

Puppy Love: Rachel relaxes on a sunbed while her pet pooch stands guard

Tiger Woods' wife Elin Nordegren is proceeding with a divorce

But the former model tore up their original agreement, said a friend, adding: 'She'd take all his money if she could and she definitely wants the kids.'

His Swedish-born wife, Elin Nordegren, has made it clear to associates that she is pushing forward with a divorce.

She is believed to be meeting celebrity attorney Sorrell Trope - who has represented Nicole Kidman and Britney Spears - and could get up to £169million of his fortune.

Meanwhile it's thought Rachel has hired an expensive, high-profile Los Angeles attorney.

Lawyer Gloria Allred acted for OJ Simpson and Michael Jackson and Spice Girl Melanie B in her paternity suit against Eddie Murphy.

She declares herself: 'Fearless lawyer, feminist, activist, television and radio commentator, warrior, advocate, and winner - Gloria Allred is all of these things and more.