Obama pledges support to troubled Tiger

Woods gets call of support from the White House

Embattled golf star Tiger Woods received a telephone call of encouragement from US President Barak Obama  – only days before being dropped by latest sponsor Gatorade.

Obama, who is known to enjoy playing golf, is reported to have contacted Woods after his globally televised apology in which he admitted to extra-marital affairs.

Ex-president Bill Clinton is also said to have called the 34-year-old his support.

Despite the backing from high-profile figures, however, Gatorade announced that it is to sever all ties with the sportsman.

This follows the discontinuation of a Tiger Woods-themed drink by the PepsiCo company after the stars November car crash.

A spokesperson for the company said: “We no longer see a role for Tiger in our marketing efforts and we have ended our relationship… We wish him all the best.”

Gatorade is the third sponsor to end its relationship with Woods. Telecommunication giant AT&T and global managements firm Accenture were the first to end deals with him.

Gillette has also distanced themselves from Woods and there is speculation that he has appeared in his last commercial for the male grooming company.

Nike has made it clear that it will continue to support Woods through his indefinite break from golf.

Although it has predicted Nike’s golf section has bee hit badly by the revelations of Woods’ private life, Nike brand president Charlie Denson said: “We’ve been supportive of Tiger since the story broke and we continue to be supportive.

“We’re very comfortable with where he’s at now and we’re looking forward to his return.”

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered