Tiger Woods to part ways with Nike Golf after 27 years
Tiger Woods announced he and Nike would be splitting up after 27 years together. The iconic brand signed Woods nearly three decades ago and became the most recognizable brand in golf.
Woods, who’s dealt with injuries over the last few years but has since returned to playing, released the surprising statement Monday. He recently returned to action on the course and could make monthly return, as he outlined, across the PGA Tour.
The statement regarding Nike can be read below.
“Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate to start a partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the world,” Woods said in a statement. “The days since have been filled with so many amazing moments and memories, if I started naming them, I could go on forever. Phil Knight’s passion and vision brought this Nike and Nike Golf partnership together and I want to personally thank him, along with the Nike employees and incredible athletes I have had the pleasure of working with along with way.
“People will ask if there is another chapter. Yes, there will certainly be another chapter. See you in LA!”
The timing is interesting considering Woods has been an advocate of the PGA Tour and not joining the LIV Tour. Masters champion Jon Rahm recently jumped ship to join LIV.
Not that Woods potentially switching brands could indicate a move as far as tours are concerned, it’s intriguing to start the new year.
Tiger Woods to part ways with Nike ahead of new season
Woods played in the 2023 Hero World Challenge back at the end of November, leading into the first weekend of December. He finished the tournament at even-par.
Woods, 48, played in just two events during the 2022-23 season. He made the cut at the 2023 Masters Tournament in April, but had to withdraw due to a foot injury. Woods made it through all four rounds of The Genesis Invitational in February, finishing T45.
Woods, who underwent right ankle surgery two weeks after the Masters, recently said he was pain-free in his ankle.
“My ankle is fine. Where they fused my ankle, I have absolutely zero issue whatsoever,” Woods said late last year. “That pain is completely gone. It’s the other areas that have been compensated for.”
Woods added he isn’t completely pain-free in other areas.
“All the surrounding areas is where I had all my problems, and I still do,” Woods said. “So you fix one, others have to become more hypermobile to get around it… It can lead to some issues.”