Tiger Woods and Nike have been partners since 1996 when he first joined the Tour. Initially, they signed a $40 million deal over five years. Later, it got extended for an additional five years, now valued at $100 million. The pro golfer has been wearing Nike apparel, but it was a shock not to see him in Nike shoes in 2022. And now, it has been a year since Woods stopped wearing Nike shoes, and the golf world has reacted to the unexpected anniversary.
What led to Tiger Woods’ decision and will he ever go back to Nike?
Woods revealed that he chose FootJoy for mobility. Despite Nike being great shoes, they probably were not comfortable enough for the pro. The fact that the design of one’s golf shoes can have a visible impact on how their body moves as they swing is highlighted by Woods’ statement from last year that he is working with Nike on a new design and anticipates “something soon.”
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Even though Woods might’ve picked a new pair of cleats that don’t carry the swoosh, he is not entirely leaving the $182.7 billion (figures may vary with sources) giant Nike. According to him, “Nike’s been fantastic over the years of providing me with equipment and work.” He added, “we’ve been working on trying to find something to allow me to do this and swing again.”
With that being said, the fans had some reactions on his footwear decision.
Golf world reacts to Woods’ brand switch
TWLEGION, the Twitter community dedicated to Tiger Woods, has posted a picture of the pro. But in the picture, he is wearing shoes from FootJoy and not his long-time sponsor, Nike. Last year ahead of Masters, the former number-one golfer switched to this new brand. He revealed the reason to do this and said, “I have very limited mobility now. Just with the rods and plates and screws that are in my leg, I needed something different, something that allowed me to be more stable. That’s what I’ve gone to.”
And now, it’s been a year; therefore, the golf world has reacted to the change in continuation. In the picture, Woods was holding the driver, and its head was supported on concrete while he was posing. That bothered a lot of fans – “Driver on concrete just kills me inside.” However, most comments were on his shoes and his hair growing back.
Comfort triumphs style and this fan was quick to point it out.
Don’t blame him those shoes are so comfortable
— jentzen_gore (@JentzenG) March 31, 2023
This Woods fan smashed every bone of contention. Steering attention to the fact that Tiger Woods still prefers to wear Nike clothes as opposed to its footwear, the user pitched the fact as “more important for marketing.”
Don’t think Nike are too fussed really, they’ve still got the TW name and he’s wearing their clothes which is more important for marketing as people see tha logo more often
— Tom (@pafc_td720) March 31, 2023
Why does this matter?
— John Hawkins (@Hawklife365) March 31, 2023
This user highlighted what they deemed to be the only explanation. “Nike not a serious gold shoe company.”
Nike not a serious golf shoe company. There can be no other explanation.
— Reverseeagle (@reverseeagle) March 31, 2023
The fact that Tiger Woods looked “good and happy” is all that mattered to this fan.
He looks good and happy!
— Trey (@higginstrey03) March 31, 2023
Calling out the famous brand, this one user condemned Nike to “do better.”
Shame on Nike. Do better.
— Michelle W. (@1chilladynaz) March 31, 2023
Realizing that Woods has let his hair outgrow its usual length, this keen observant of a user underlined his new features.
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He’s letting the hair grow out a bit too. Nice.
— its just milk i swear… (@bdubwatersgolf) March 31, 2023
But that was not it. Another fan pointed out his views on Woods playing at Masters and said, “Guys mark my words Tiger Woods is not playing the master’s this year. He looks outta shape. He is still leaping as you can see in the video and he doesn’t even have a haircut. NOT PLAYING” For now, no one knows if the 15 times major championship winner will be playing at the Masters or not, but that anticipation will dissolve soon.
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What are your thoughts? Do you think Woods will play at the Masters? Please let us know in the comments below.