Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods’ iconic relationship with Nike Golf came to an end at the beginning of his 2024, and he appears set to announce his replacement ahead of his return next week
Tiger Woods has teased fans that a big announcement is brewing, with the 15-time major winner set to make his PGA Tour comeback at the Genesis Invitational next week.
It is expected that the announcement will centre around his next sponsorship deal, after his famous 27-year relationship with Nike came to an end in January. Taking to social media on Tuesday, Woods wrote: “The vision remains the same. 2.12.24,” accompanied with a intense head shot.
February 12 as mentioned by Tiger Woods comes next Wednesday, one day before the Genesis Invitational – an event the golfing legend hosts – gets underway at Riviera.
Since parting ways with Nike last month, a whole host of brands have been linked with Woods, but it appears Taylormade have won the race to land a partnership. In January it was revealed TaylorMade Lifestyle Ventures LLC had filed for the trademark ‘Sunday Red’, the colour famously worn by Woods when competing in the final round of an event.
It is expected that the trademark is going to become Woods’ new apparel line, paying homage to his iconic fourth round colour. The 48-year-old already has a partnership with the golf brand, having used TaylorMade equipment since 2017.
Tiger Woods had used Nike clubs throughout his career, but after the brand stopped their production of equipment in 2016, the former world No. 1 teamed up with TaylorMade. It is now expected that along with his clubs, he will also sport the brand on his clothing.
Woods’ first event without the iconic Nike swoosh will come at the Genesis next week. The five-time Masters champion had spent the whole of his professional career with the sports brand, having signed his first deal back in 1996 worth £31.6 million ($40m), the biggest sports endorsement in history at the time.
It is widely reported that during his 27-year spell with Nike that Woods made an eye-watering £397 million ($500m). His last agreement was signed back in 2013, after the 15-time major winner agreed a 10-year contract said to be worth around £160 million ($200m).
This decade-long agreement came to an end following the turn of the year, with Woods confirming the conclusion of their partnership in early January. In an emotional statement, the American star wrote: “Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate to start a partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the world.
“The days since have been filled with so many amazing moments and memories, if I started naming them, I could go on forever. [Former Nike CEO] 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.
“People will ask if there is another chapter. Yes, there will certainly be another chapter. See you in LA! Tiger.” There next chapter is set to come next week, when Woods is expected take on hosting and playing duties at Riviera in Los Angeles.
