Is Tiger Woods done wearing the swoosh?
Woods, who played with his son Charlie at the parent-child PNC Championship over the weekend, is nearing the end of a 10-year extension signed with Nike in 2013, and rumours in the industry are swirling that Woods and the apparel manufacturer are parting ways, punctuated by the NoLayingUp podcast mentioning the PNC could mark Woods’ last outing with the brand.
Following his Saturday round, Woods was asked if he could clarify his relationship with Nike, and his answer did little to dispel the rumours.
“I’m still wearing their product,” Woods replied. When Woods was asked about his future with Nike, he repeated, “I’m still wearing their product.”
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The 15-time major winner has been with the company since 1996, signing a five-year, $US40 million contract upon turning pro. That contract has been upped four times, with Woods reportedly receiving $500 million over the lifetime of that deal. Woods had his own apparel line, and began using Nike clubs when the company entered the equipment realm in the early 2000s.
However, Nike exited the golf equipment business in 2016, which allowed Woods to transition to TaylorMade golf clubs and Bridgestone golf balls. Additionally, when returning to competitive play at the 2022 Masters following his 2021 single-car accident, Woods was wearing FootJoy shoes instead of Nike.
“Like golf fans around the world, we are delighted to see Tiger back on the course,” Nike said in a statement. “He is an incredible athlete, and it is phenomenal to see him returning to the game at this level. His story continues to transcend sport and inspire us all. As he continues his return, we will work with him to meet his new needs.”
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But over the next two seasons Woods continued to wear FootJoys, begging the question if his Nike deal would be nearing an end.
Rumours are also swirling that Nike may be exiting the golf business altogether, or license out its golf brand to another company, although Nike continues to be silent on the matter. Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, Scottie Scheffler, Nelly Korda and Tony Finau headline Nike’s current professional stable.
This article was originally published on golfdigest.com
