Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
The end of an era has come and gone between PGA Tour legend Tiger Woods and Nike, leaving behind numerous memories.
At this point, anyone with a social media account or associated with golf knows that Tiger Woods and Nike’s relationship is no longer.
The only way to describe this groundbreaking news is that it’s the end of an era. It’s hard to accept and process because when someone thinks of Nike, their minds immediately go to either Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan.
People who chose Nike Golf made that decision because of Woods, no one else. Others, like current No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, joined the brand because of his impact.
Woods and Nike held a 27-year-long relationship that was believed to never end. Yet, he announced earlier this week that a new chapter is coming.
An almost three-decade-long deal produced so many incredible moments throughout the years.
The commercials that came from this sponsorship are some of the ones that made people fall in love with golf. Here are some of the most iconic Nike commercials with Woods.
Juggling with Tiger Woods — 1999
The famous juggling-golf-ball commercial must be one of the most memorable.
Doug Liman, the director of the ad, noticed Woods bouncing the ball on the club during shooting breaks. He grabbed a shoulder camera and captured the young Woods showing off.
Woods illustrated some of the greatest hand-eye coordination you will ever see.
This video had people worldwide wanting to learn how to juggle golf balls with their clubs, just like the Big Cat.
I am Tiger Woods — 1997
The first Nike commercial Woods did with the brand was impeccable. It features a montage of kids saying, “I am Tiger Woods.”
This commercial is a testament to his impact on golf. While it’s a short and sweet moment, people remember it because everyone wanted to be Tiger — they probably still do.
The Perfect Swing — 2006
Here is another moment through Woods’ time with Nike where they produced something unforgettable as an advertisement.
The classic music choice helps build momentum as it follows from the backswing through the impact of the ball. Woods had all black on, which gave it a silhouette feel. He didn’t say a word, and it was still a work of art.
Tiger Woods’ Never Ad — 2008
When Earl Woods’ voice comes on over the montage of videos of Tiger, it hits an emotional cord.
“You don’t really instill anything into a child. You encourage the development of it,” Earl Woods said in the video. “But I would do all kinds of things to mess him up.”
He talks about the special tactics he’d use to challenge his son’s mental toughness on the course, such as dropping a bag of clubs right as Tiger is about to swing.
In one of his many comeback stories, Nike let his dad drop the mic and produce one of the most impactful ads throughout his career. This minute-long commercial explains what makes the 82-time PGA Tour winner so special.
The Masters and Tiger Woods greatest comeback ever — 2019
Woods’ has gone through a lot of hardships throughout his career. The 5-time green jacket winner has experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, but he always finds a way to get up again.
This ad shows those peaks and valleys throughout his career.
When he went on to win his fifth Masters in 2019, his 15th major championship — the only way to describe it was iconic. Nike put this ad together after he won, and it was another instant classic.
“It’s crazy to think a 43-year-old who has experienced every high and every low and has just won his 15th major is chasing the same dream as a 3-year-old,” the ad reads.
At the end of the ad, Woods is shown as a toddler when he says, “I want to beat Jack Nicklaus.” Then Nike ends it with their slogan, “Just do it.”
No Tiger fan will ever forget that win in 2019. It was one of the greatest moments in any sport, all-time.
Woods did countless other Nike ads during the 27 years he partnered with the brand. However, these five incapsulated the entirety of his incredible career and won’t soon be forgotten.
Which Nike ad with Woods is your favorite?
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, be sure to follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.
