One of contemporary golf’s most renowned pairings has terminated. Tiger Woods stated Monday that he is no longer
a Nike brand ambassador, but hinted that another endorsement arrangement is in the works.
“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 after have been filled with so many beautiful experiences and memories that naming
them would take forever. (Nike co-founder) Phil Knight’s passion and vision brought this Nike and Nike Golf alliance
together, and I want to thank him personally, as well as the Nike staff and fantastic athletes I’ve had the privilege of
working with along the way.”
Woods continued, “People will ask if there is more chapter. “Yes, there will be another chapter.”
Woods also hinted in the statement that he’ll play in the Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles next month, prompting
anticipation that his apparel dilemma would be settled before then.
Nike first signed Woods to a five-year, $40 million contract in 1996, the year he turned professional at the age of
twenty. He and Nike became synonymous as Woods swiftly became the face of golf, winning multiple championships
while wearing his signature red Nike polo on Sundays. Nike eventually collaborated with Woods to develop a gear
line with both its logo and the TW logo.
Then there’s the fact that it’s a lot of work.
Woods had various sponsorships with Nike throughout his career, with his most recent one being an estimated 10-
year arrangement worth over $200 million in 2013.
Given that Woods helped Nike make a name for itself in the golf industry, his departure is significant. It’s about as
seismic as it gets in the golf gear world—who knows how many red polos with a swoosh are worn every weekend on
every golf course in America, but it’s a lot. Woods is not the first golfer to abandon Nike recently. Jason Day is now
with Malbon, an up-and-coming brand that has already received attention for its roomy pants at The Sentry.
