Tiger Woods confirms split from Nike

The worst-kept secret in golf is now official: Tiger Woods and Nike have called it a day. 

The 15-time major champion made the announcement with a short statement posted on social media earlier today.

Alongside a picture of he, his mother Tida and Nike founder Phil Knight, 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.

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“Phil Knight’s passion and vision brought this Nike and Nike Golf partnership together and I want to personally thank him. along with the Nike employees and incredible athletes I have had the pleasure of working with along the way.”

Appearing to confirm that his next competitive appearance will be in the Genesis Invitational at Riviera next month, he added: “People will ask if there is another chapter. Yes, there will certainly be another chapter. See you in LA!”

A post on Nike’s official Instagram account paid tribute to Woods for his contribution to the brand over the last three decades.

It read: “Tiger, you challenged your competition, stereotypes, conventions, the old school way of thinking. You challenged the entire institution of golf. You challenged us. And most of all, yourself. And for that challenge we’re grateful.”

pic.twitter.com/at0tSskmRm

— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) January 8, 2024

Woods’ final outing in the iconic Nike ‘Swoosh’ came during the PNC Championship shortly before Christmas by which time speculation over his future with the brand had been brewing for some time.

Asked about the status of his Nike deal ahead of that tournament, Woods offered nothing more than a five-word reply: “I’m still wearing their product.” He repeated the line when pressed further.

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Woods has been sponsored by Nike for 27 years – the entirety of his professional career to date. It is a partnership that reportedly earned him more than $500million in payments and generated billions in worldwide sales.

Of course, now begins the speculation over which company – or companies – he will turn to next.

Greyson has been heavily tipped as his most likely destination.

Woods’ son Charlie was pictured wearing the brand’s apparel during the PNC Championship last month, having matched his father in Nike clothing during each of previous appearances in the parent and child event.

With its instantly recognisable wolf logo, Michigan-based Greyson currently sponsors a number of tour pros, including Woods’ close friend Justin Thomas, former US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick (like Thomas, represented by the same management firm as Woods), and European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald.

Other names potentially in the frame include FootJoy (Woods has previously worn the company’s shoes), Malbon, which recently signed Jason Day, Peter Millar and, potentially, On Running, a footwear firm part-owned by Woods’ fellow former Nike athlete and good friend Roger Federer.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor