By Victor Kanayo
Top professional golf player, Tiger Woods and Nike have decided to end their partnership, 24 years after.
Both parties announced the latest via social media platform X.
For Tiger Woods, “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. 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.”
On his next line of action, Woods said, “People will ask if there is another chapter. Yes, there will certainly be another chapter. See you in LA!”
On their part, Nike posited, “Tiger, you challenged your competition, stereotypes, conventions, the old school way of thinking,” it wrote on its Instagram page. “You challenged the entire institution of golf. You challenged us. And most of all, yourself. And for that challenge we’re grateful.
“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.”
READ ALSO: Israeli Airstrike Kills 3 Sons, 3 Grandchildren Of Hamas Leader
Ups and Down Career Path
Woods has not played regularly on the PGA Tour since 2019 because of injuries and several back surgeries, but has played even less after severely injuring his leg and ankle in a 2021 rollover car crash on the winding roads around Rancho Palos Verdes, where he was hosting the PGA stop at the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club.
Woods, who returned to competition in November last year after a seven-month injury layoff, said in a statement across his social media platforms that he was fortunate to have partnered with Nike almost three decades ago.
Nike remained loyal to Woods during the ups and downs of his career, including when scandal surrounding his private life emerged when he was at the peak of his golfing powers in 2009, with the golfer admitting being unfaithful to his then-wife.
Aborted Long Term Deal
Woods first signed a five-year, $40 million deal with Nike in 1996, the year he turned professional, according to The Associated Press.
The partnership comes to an end 10 years after Woods signed a $200 million deal with Nike Golf in 2013, according to The Oregonian.
Nike Golf has since stopped making golf equipment, including clubs, balls and bags.
Woods has played with TaylorMade clubs since 2016, when Nike shut the division to focus exclusively on footwear and apparel
