Tiger Woods during the final round of the 2023 PNC Championship. | Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Tiger Woods announced on social media that he has ended his relationship with Nike Golf, his longtime sponsor.
You will no longer see Tiger Woods don the famous Nike ‘Swoosh.’
On Monday, the 15-time major champion announced on social media that he and Nike Golf have agreed to part ways.
“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 post on X.
“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 the way.”
Woods has worn Nike apparel for most of his professional career, including all of his 15 major titles and 82 PGA Tour victories.
He also used Nike equipment for a good portion of his career. The apex of their relationship came at the 2005 Masters, when Woods famously chipped in on the par-3 16th hole.
As the ball rolled down the slope and approached the hole, it slowed down and stopped momentarily on the edge of the cup—but in doing so, the Nike logo was clearly visible to everyone watching. Then, the ball somehow dropped into the hole, giving Woods an emphatic birdie. It also created the most extraordinary broadcasting call in golf history:
“OH, WOW!!! In your life!! Have you ever seen anything like that!?” exclaimed veteran CBS announcer Verne Lundquist.
Nevertheless, the company discontinued its golf manufacturing sector in 2016.
Since then, Woods has used a Bridgestone golf ball while relying on Taylormade clubs. He counted on these two companies for his victory at Augusta National in 2019.
Photo by Augusta National via Getty Images
Tiger Woods during the final round of the 2019 Masters.
But last month’s PNC Championship proved to be the last time Woods would wear Nike clothing during tournament play.
As for what he will wear in the future, who knows? But Woods assured that another sponsorship deal is in the works.
“People will ask if there is another chapter,” Woods added.
“Yes, there will certainly be another chapter. See you in LA!”
Woods will tee it up at the Genesis Invitational in February—the tournament he hosts. Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles hosts this event every year—the course where Woods made his professional debut in 1992.
More than 30 years later, the 2024 Genesis Invitational will mark a new beginning for Woods, as golf fans must get used to seeing him wear something different.
Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough for more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko as well.
