On Monday, Tiger Woods ended his iconic 27-year relationship with Nike – and the 15-time major champion appears to be closing in on his next venture ahead of the 2024 season
Golf legend Tiger Woods is closing in on a new clothing deal with TaylorMade just a day after his iconic partnership with Nike came to an end.
Across his 15 major wins and 82 PGA Tour titles, Woods’ red shirt Sunday look complete with the Nike swoosh defined an era. He was the face of the brand for so long, featuring as the star in many adverts throughout the fruitful relationship which came to an end on Monday.
Woods is expected to make an appearance on the ‘Fore Play’ podcast on Wednesday. The show released a teaser on social media, and TaylorMade gave fans a fascinating hint before the official release by retweeting the video with the caption, “Stay tuned,” and a wide-eyed emoji.
According to the TaylorMade post, Woods might be a high-profile addition to the range. Since the 15-time major champion already competes with TaylorMade clubs, it makes sense to investigate and grow the partnership.
With only about 33 products currently available on its website, the bulk of TaylorMade’s clothing selection is restricted to athletic off-course leisure wear. Whatever the case, after 27 years with Nike, Woods’ next move is very intriguing, especially considering the American’s goal to increase his golf game by 2024.
There isn’t enough in the TaylorMade lineup right now to outfit PGA Tour players. Although TaylorMade may be getting ready to increase its apparel selection, those who have signed with the company for equipment have dressed for it in Nike or Adidas apparel.
TaylorMade started posting job openings for its “new apparel division” last month. TaylorMade might then start to draw players as marquee signings, like Woods, with an improved clothing line.
Since turning professional in 1996 at the age of 20, Woods has acted as the face of Nike, earning an estimated $500 million over his tenure with the company. His initial $40 million five-year contract turned into one of the most lucrative business partnerships in sports history.
No indication has been made that the breakup was contentious, and both parties made polite announcements of the news. “Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate to start a partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the world,” Woods wrote on social media.
“There have been so many incredible times and experiences in the days since that I could go on forever listing them. I want to personally thank Phil Knight for his vision and passion, as well as the amazing athletes and Nike staff I have had the pleasure of working with throughout the years, for bringing this partnership between Nike and Nike Golf to fruition.
“They’ll inquire as to whether there will be more chapters. Indeed, there will undoubtedly be more chapters.
“Tiger, you challenged your competition, stereotypes, conventions, and the old school way of thinking,” Nike wrote in a statement they shared on Instagram. You issued a challenge to the entire game of golf. You put us to the test. Above all, you yourself. And we are appreciative of that challenge.
According to reports, Woods intends to play in the Genesis Invitational at the Riviera Country Club in February of next year.
