Tiger Woods Calls It Quits With Nike After 27 Years Of Collaboration
By Afouda Bamidele on January 9, 2024 at 6:30 AM EST
After an impressive almost three-decade partnership, Tiger Woods has officially parted ways with Nike.
Although it might not be the new chapter he meant, however, the golfer has already embarked on a new venture alongside A-list celebrity Justin Timberlake, marking the commencement of an exciting entrepreneurial journey.
Is this the culmination of an era, or merely the opening lines of a fresh chapter in the golf icon's saga?
Tiger Woods Takes His Swing Elsewhere After Nike Split
In a groundbreaking announcement, the titan of golf officially severed ties with the sportswear giant after an illustrious 27-year collaboration. Woods revealed this pivotal decision through a heartfelt statement on X (formerly Twitter), expressing gratitude for his remarkable journey with Nike.
"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," he reminisced.
Acknowledging the driving force behind this collaboration, the golfing legend extended his appreciation to Phil Knight, the visionary behind Nike's success. In his words:
"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."
The 48-year-old concluded his message by hinting at more developments in the coming days, stating, "People will ask if there is another chapter. Yes, there will certainly be another chapter. See you in LA!"
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) January 8, 2024
As golf enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the unfolding of Woods' post-Nike era, the legendary golfer may have already embarked on an extraordinary venture.
Last October, The Blast reported that Woods teamed up with singer Timberlake to craft a timeless and iconic project, set to revolutionize the sports and nightlife scene in Scotland.
Their announcement done via Instagram revealed the ambitious plan to introduce T-Squared to the historic streets of St. Andrews, Scotland. The post featured captivating pictures of the pair, saying, "T-Squared is coming to St. Andrews, Scotland. Link in bio for more."
This venture marked the second branch of the duo's enterprise, with the parent bar situated in Manhattan. The moniker "T-Squared" ingeniously fused Wood's first name with the pop sensation's last name, encapsulating the essence of their partnership.
Situated on North Street, the Scotland bar would be erected on the premises of the 90-year-old New Picture House Cinema. After an extensive renovation, the venue would undergo a remarkable transformation, including restoring its full-sized movie screen for live sports streams and movie nights.
The planned T-Squared Social investment will allow the local community, students, and visitors to experience a broader range of cinema, dining, and entertainment at the popular venue.
Woods Returned To PGA Tour With Ankle Surgery Behind Him
The stage was set at the Hero World Challenge, an annual tournament hosted by Woods each December, where twenty top-ranked golf stars would vie for the coveted $3.5 million prize.
Not only was this competition a platform for fierce competition among elite golfers, but it also held a significant charitable importance. The event benefits the Tiger Woods Foundation and is an unofficial fixture in the PGA Tour calendar.
Despite the impressive prize pool, the winner's share of $1 million had been a two-time achievement for defending champion Viktor Hovland. The Hero World Challenge marked Woods' return to the competitive scene after a four-year hiatus, having last participated in the holiday event in 2019.
The 2019 Presidential Medal of Freedom awardee's return to the greens undoubtedly held sentimental value for fans, especially after his withdrawal from last year's Masters. The decision to step back from the sport was prompted by the reaggravation of his plantar fasciitis, leading to a seven-month recovery period.