Despite Their Glorious 26-Year Relationship, Tiger Woods Continues to Give $182.7 Billion Giants the Cold Shoulder

Nike and Tiger Woods have a long-standing relationship. When Woods turned professional and inked a $40 million five-year deal with Nike in 1996, the relationship officially got underway. In 2001, it was extended for five more years at $100 million. His current Nike contract stands at a whopping $200 million. Woods has been one of Nike’s most prominent and prosperous brand ambassadors throughout the years, and his work with the firm has helped it become a big player in the golf apparel and equipment market.

The alliance hasn’t, however, been without controversy. Although Woods has used Nike clothing for most of his career, it came as a surprise when he stopped using Nike shoes in 2022. Woods stopped wearing Nike shoes a year ago, and there still are speculations about this topic.

Tiger Woods continues to stay away from Nike

When Woods was spotted wearing FootJoy, it surely came as a shock to the golf world. Although Nike shoes are excellent, the four-time Major winner most likely did not find them comfortable enough. In April of last year, Woods explained why he switched from Nike Golf to FootJoy, saying that he has “extremely restricted mobility” as a result of the severe leg injuries he sustained in a terrible vehicle accident in February 2021, which placed his golf career in peril.

There have been issues with this Woods-Nike collaboration. Back in 2009, Woods was embroiled in a well-reported controversy. The controversy revolved around Woods’ numerous extramarital romances, which damaged his reputation both personally and professionally. Some of Woods’ sponsors, including Accenture and Gillette, pulled him from their marketing initiatives during this time. Notwithstanding the controversy, Nike supported Woods and kept highlighting him in their marketing campaigns.

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Despite being there in Woods’ difficult times, it has almost been a year since Woods decided to wear FootJoy over Nike. Even now, Woods still disregards the $182.7 billion sponsor. Back in February before the 2023 Genesis Invitational began, Woods warmed up wearing FootJoy at the Riviera Golf Course outside of Los Angeles, California. Instead of putting on his Nike golf shoes, Woods strapped up a pair of FootJoy, as he did at The Masters last year.

Will Woods ever go back to Nike?

TWLEGION recently shared a photo of the four-time Majors champion. Nevertheless, in the image, he was sporting FootJoy footwear rather than that of his longtime sponsor, Nike. Woods may have chosen a new pair of cleats, but he is still working closely with the $182.7 billion company. Woods himself revealed that he has been working with Nike in order to achieve a solution and resume swinging.

The pro continued to wear Nike shoes for most of his career, but his continuing to wear FootJoy surely is the biggest headline. With The Masters 2023 starting in a few days, it remains a mystery what Woods will be wearing.

Watch this story: ‘Nobody Wants to See Him…’: Tiger Woods’ Shot at Masters History Gets Riddled With Doubt by 3x Major Champion

Will Tiger Woods ever go back to join hands with Nike? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.