One of the most iconic partnerships in modern golf has ended. Tiger Woods announced Monday he is no longer a Nike brand ambassador and teased that another endorsement deal is coming.
“Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate to start a partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the world,” Woods said. “The days since have been filled with so many amazing moments and memories, if I started naming them, I could go on forever. (Nike co-founder) 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 the way.”
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) January 8, 2024
Woods added: “People will ask if there is another chapter. Yes, there will certainly be another chapter.”
Woods also cryptically indicated in the statement that he’ll play in the Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles next month, leading to speculation his apparel situation will be resolved by then.
Nike first signed Woods to a five-year, $40 million deal in 1996, the year he turned pro at age 20. He and Nike became synonymous as Woods quickly became the face of golf and won countless tournaments while wearing his classic red Nike polo on Sundays. Nike eventually launched an apparel line with Woods that featured its logo and a TW logo.
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After Nike closed its golf equipment line in 2016, Woods switched to using TaylorMade clubs and Bridgestone balls but continued to wear Nike apparel.
Woods signed multiple deals with Nike throughout his career, with his most recent one being a reported 10-year agreement worth around $200 million in 2013.
Woods is latest golfer to leave Nike
Given that Nike made its name in the golf world largely on the back of Woods, his departure stands out. It’s about as seismic as it gets in the golf apparel world — who knows how many red polos with a swoosh are worn every weekend at every golf course in America, but it’s a lot. But Woods is not the only golfer to leave Nike recently — Jason Day is now with Malbon, an up-and-coming brand that has drawn attention already for the … roominess … in Day’s pants at The Sentry.
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Still, other notable Nike golf athletes like Scottie Scheffler and Tony Finau were wearing the apparel over the weekend. Rory McIlroy and Nelly Korda remain Nike golf ambassadors. What does this all mean? It means something, though it’s not immediately clear what that is yet. — Hugh Kellenberger, senior managing golf editor
(Photo: Reinhold Matay / USA Today)