Potential new Tiger Woods sponsor rules itself out of running

One horse is out of the race.

While fans eagerly await the new chapter of Tiger Woods’ sponsorship story, one of the front-runners has ruled itself out.

After 27 years, the fifteen-time major champion announced his split from Nike on Monday, drawing the curtain on the game’s most iconic partnership.

But the fight to secure his signature has become slightly easier as popular Swiss brand On Running has addressed speculation.

The Zurich-based athletic brand shot into the spotlight in 2023, reaching almost $2 billion dollars in revenue just two years after its initial public offering.

Roger Federer invested in the brand in 2019 and signed an equity-based deal with On Running that earned him $300 million.

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The tennis great had been with Nike for over 20 years, so many considered this a move Tiger could take.

But the firm’s CEO Marc Maurer told an audience at the ICR retailing Conference on Monday that Woods was not signing with the brand.

He said: “We hope he finds a great new partner. It’s not going to be us.”

It leaves Greyson Clothier and Malbon Golf among the most likely candidates to take over from the swoosh, if Woods chooses not to create his own signature brand.

Nike bid farewell to Woods with a heartfelt post on Instagram, which led: “it was a hell of a round, Tiger.”

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“Tiger, you challenged your competition, stereotypes, conventions, the old school way of thinking,” the company added.

“You challenged the entire institution of golf. You challenged us. And most of all, yourself. And for that challenge we’re grateful.”

Woods 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.”

The 46-year-old also appeared to confirm that his next competitive appearance will be in the Genesis Invitational at Riviera, next month.

“People will ask if there is another chapter. Yes, there will certainly be another chapter. See you in LA!”

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.