Amid Rumors of Split From Nike, $2B Giants Expected to Turn Savior For Tiger Woods as Massive Expansion Plans Get Revealed

A major shake-up is coming in the golf world. Reports indicate that an Original Equipment Manufacturer is foraying into the apparel business. Apparently, Tiger Woods and many other pros have been patiently waiting for their arrival as well. This news comes on the heels of a report that Nike might be shutting down its golf business next year.

Earlier, one of the hosts of No Laying Up Podcast reported that an OEM is planning to expand its apparel business. Now, TWLegion, a Tiger Woods fan community, has provided more insight into what we can expect in the coming year. This also sheds some light on why Nike hasn’t been able to provide Woods with a suitable shoe for his needs.

Is this the fall of the old guard and the drawing of new blood?

While Nike was rumored to be shutting down their golf business next year, one OEM manufacturer’s name was floated to take up the vacant spot. Recent reports suggest TaylorMade Golf, which has a multi-year endorsement deal with Woods, might burst into the apparel industry.

The career page on TaylorMade’s official website indicates they are expanding the nascent apparel wing. On their job list, there have been three openings that directly refer to the apparel division: e-commerce director, social media manager, and marketing manager.

Sharing a screengrab of the job postings, TWLegion tweeted, “Recent job postings indicate they’re building out their team for apparel.” Notably, TaylorMade Golf, whose market valuation runs approximately $2 billion, already started their apparel business earlier. However, it’s not yet as extensive as some other major sports brands, such as Nike and Adidas. TWLegion further wrote, “I know they’ve launched a few apparel items already but these posts might suggest it will be getting more involved.”

This is an interesting development in light of Tiger Woods’ alleged troubles with Nike. The 15-time Major winner has not sported his long-time sponsor’s kicks on the greens since the 2022 Masters. Instead of the swoosh, the FootJoy logo decks the former World No. 1’s kicks. There were reports that Woods was waiting for an OEM manufacturer to debut in the apparel business.

Read More: Top 3 Major Takeaways as Details of Tiger Woods’ Fractured Nike Deal Come to Light

Tiger Woods and his Nike travails

The 47-year-old golfer sported the FootJoy shoe once again at this year’s Hero World Challenge. Although Nike said they were working on meeting Woods’ needs, there hasn’t been any official statement since the 2022 Masters. One report further claims that not only Woods, but Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka are also mulling over a switch away from Nike. As per the No Laying Up Podcast, the PNC Championship will be the last time Woods will wear a Nike shoe.

Interestingly, TWLegion also reported that Nike is planning for a sea change itself. The $175 billion giant will run its apparel division through Srixon or Cleveland. Notably, in 2016, Nike shut down their equipment manufacturing business, compelling Tiger Woods, their poster boy of three decades, to switch to TaylorMade for golf clubs and balls. The equipment brand looks to be the messiah for the 47-year-old golfer once again.

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