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AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 11: Tiger Woods of the United States looks on from the 15th green during the first round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2019 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
via Getty
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 11: Tiger Woods of the United States looks on from the 15th green during the first round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2019 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
Tiger Woods is back on the course! After a year of absence, the golfer went to practice at the Augusta National before the upcoming Masters. Even though fans were happy to see him back, they went frenzy when they saw him not wearing his Nike spikes, and the Nike brand has finally responded to it.
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ESPN senior golf analyst and former caddie Michael Collins shared the response from the brand on his Instagram.
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The Masters official YouTube channel had recently uploaded a video of Woods hitting balls at the Augusta Nationals. Since Nike sponsors him, the golfer wore everything Nike, including the hat, polo shirt, and pants, except the shoes. He was wearing FootJoy branded spikes to practice.
Woods has gone to Augusta National to practice on Sunday to make sure he is fit enough to play at the Masters. Although he hasn’t announced his plans yet, Tiger seemed walking without any pain in his leg.
Read more: How Many Green Jackets Does Tiger Woods Have? A Glimpse Into His Masters History
Woods had injured his leg in a car accident in 2021. And he had been resting for over a year now to heal his leg injury. While fans were overwhelmed to watch him play, they couldn’t help but notice the shoes he chose to wear there.
Since it was the first time the fans had seen Woods not wearing Nike spikes, they were furious to know how did it happen. The golf world, including pro golfer Ian Poulter, shared their thoughts on the matter.
He must have forgot his golf shoes and sending someone to collect them. I can however tell you that those @footjoy are really comfortable and stable.
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) April 3, 2022
Likely wearing for walking the terrain of ANGC. More supportive for his leg. Probably a deal with Nike if he just rocks the all black pair so they don’t stand out, but I guess with social media that’s impossible lol
— Logan Ambrose (@lssambrose) April 4, 2022
He’s most likely got custom orthotics, so the footbed would need to fit them – maybe he’s waiting on his custom Nike to arrive
— Mick (@schwoerk81) April 4, 2022
We’ve seen Tiger use some older model Nikes in the past after injury. Have to figure it has something to do with the leg.
— Jonathan Wall (@jonathanrwall) April 3, 2022
Really?? I been buying tiger Nike shoes forever. Is he not sponsored no more??
— RD (@NealSon55) April 3, 2022
Nike responded to Michael Collins and gave their official statement regarding the matter. However, FootJoy has chosen not to respond.
Fans’ reaction to Nike’s response to Tiger Woods wearing FootJoy spikes
From its response, fans thought that the Nike brand wasn’t prepared for Woods’ return. Thus, many fans commented, stating just that.
Probably hasn’t really had time to work with Nike to develop anything new the past year and probably just had to find something comfortable to wear as he continues moving forward.
— Matt Berry (@GolferMatt23) April 3, 2022
I mean how does @nike not spend whatever amount of money it takes to get him the shoe he needs? The fact the he showed up after a lengthy absence, at ANGC, wearing a non Nike shoe is a “major” miss. This just in, Nike acquires Acushnet…
— Chris Hopkins (@Fan4WVU) April 4, 2022
Get those sweatshops working around the clock!
— Todd Dickinson (@todddickinson) April 3, 2022
Needs those orthos now.
— Defenestrations R Us (@tcrbooks) April 3, 2022
I mean has it really come to this? Can’t we just be happy he’s back! Have a great week pards
— Chick Hernandez (@MrChickSports) April 3, 2022
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As promised, Woods went to practice at the Augusta National on Sunday. And he looked healthy walking on the course and hitting balls. Last time the golf world saw him was at the PNC Championship. Woods and his son had secured a second prize there. However, he experienced pain while playing.
However, in the new video Masters official YouTube Channel has uploaded, he looked extremely healthy. Woods was smiling all the way. Although he looked happy in the video, nobody can come to a conclusion unless he makes an official statement.
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Do you think Woods can make a comeback at the 2022 Masters and win another green jacket?
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