Tiger Woods and Nike split after 27 years

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Tiger Woods and Nike have ended their long-term partnership after 27 years, both parties have confirmed.

Tiger announced that he was moving on to a new clothing sponsor in a statement posted on social media.

“Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate enough to start a partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the world,” read the statement. “The days since have been filled with so many amazing moments and memories.

“Phil Knight’s passion and vision brought this Nike and Nike Golf partnership together and I personally want to thank him, along with the other 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.

Nike confirmed the split with their own message: “It was a hell of a round, Tiger.”

The association began in 1996, when Tiger signed a five-year endorsement deal at the age of 20, worth $40 million.

The 15-time Major champion signed multiple extensions thereafter, pocketing around $500 million and generating billions of sales for the brand.

Nike remained loyal to Tiger when revelations surrounding his private life and infidelity were made public in 2009. Other brands, such as Gillette, Accenture and AT&T, cut ties with Tiger when the scandal hit, but Nike and its co-founder Phil Knight stood firm and offered him their “full support”.

Tiger signed a new 10-year contract extension in 2013 with his agent, Mark Steinberg, saying that “I’m confident he will be with Nike for the rest of his career.”

However, Nike stopped selling golf clubs and balls in 2016 and the need to cut costs has led to suggestions that the retail giant is now looking to dissolve its golf division entirely.

The brand still sponsors a number of high-profile players, including Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka, though their futures have been plunged into doubt. Former World No.1 Jason Day left Nike earlier this month to sign with Malbon Golf.

There have been reports that TaylorMade are looking to launch a new apparel division, though few clues have been offered as to which brand Tiger will partner with next.

The 48-year-old has been wearing FootJoy golf shoes rather than his customary Nikes, while Tiger’s son, Charlie, was kitted out in Greyson apparel during the PNC Championship last month.

Tiger is expected to make his next PGA Tour start at the Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles in February.

About the author

Michael Catling – Features Editor

Michael Catling is an award-winning journalist who specializes in golf’s Majors and Tours, including DP World, PGA, LPGA, and LIV.

Michael joined Today’s Golfer in 2016 and has traveled the world to attend the game’s biggest events and secure exclusive interviews with the game’s biggest names, including Jack Nicklaus, Jordan Spieth, Tom Watson, Greg Norman, Gary Player, Martin Slumbers and Justin Thomas.

Get in touch with Michael via email and follow him on X.