More than a relationship, it was a marriage. After 27 years together and starring in one of the longest-lasting sports sponsorships in history, Tiger Woods and Nike have decided to break their contractual link, as announced on his social media by the Californian player. Woods thanked the co-founder of the sports apparel multinational, Phil Knight, and hinted at “another chapter” in his message.
“Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate enough to start a partnership with one of the world’s most iconic brands. The days since then have been filled with so many incredible moments and memories that if I started to name them, I could go on forever,” Tiger wrote. “Phil Knight’s passion and vision brought this partnership between Nike and Nike Golf together and I want to personally thank him, along with the employees of Nike and the incredible athletes I’ve had the pleasure of working with along the way. People will ask if there is another chapter. Yes, there will surely be another chapter. See you in Los Angeles!”.
The 15 Majors champion is the host of the Genesis Invitational, which will be held from February 15 to 18 at the Riviera CC, in Los Angeles. The 82-time Tour winner previously said he wanted to play one event a month.
Tiger has been a Nike ambassador since 1996, when he was 20 years old. Knight signed Woods to a five-year, $40 million contract when he turned professional after his third consecutive win at the US Amateur, and said of the Californian at the time: “The world has not seen anything like what he is going to do for the sport. It’s almost art. I wasn’t alive to see Claude Monet paint, but I’m alive to see Tiger play, and that’s great.”
Nike’s clothing became a leading brand thanks to Woods and his spikeless footwear gained popularity. Its equipment division, however, never took off and stopped producing clubs and balls in 2016. Woods has been using TaylorMade clubs and Bridgestone golf balls in recent seasons. For nearly two years he has been wearing golf shoes made by FootJoy. TaylorMade, which was previously owned by Adidas, has hinted on its website that it intends to step up its involvement in the apparel sector from next year.
Therefore, Tiger soon dispelled rumours that his long relationship with Nike could be coming to an end after being questioned at the recent PNC Championship. “I still use their product,” he asserted. Several weeks later he has announced his break-up, a separation after almost three decades of union.
