RUMOUR: TIGER WOODS TO PLAY FINAL EVENT WITH NIKE GOLF AT PNC CHAMPIONSHIP?
According to No Laying Up podcast, Tiger Woods will reportedly compete in his last Nike Golf event at the PNC.
The well-liked No Laying Up podcast claims that Tiger Woods will compete in his last competition with Nike Golf at the PNC Championship.
In his yearly Hero World Challenge at Albany in the Bahamas last week, Woods, who turns 48 on December 30, came in 18th place out of 20 players.
The unofficial PGA Tour event marked Woods’ first competitive start since undergoing ankle surgery after withdrawing from The Masters in April.
Although Woods was seen in his customary Nike Golf cap and clothing at the Hero World Challenge, the 15-time major champion was once again seen without Nike Golf footwear, which was also the case in the first major of the season at Augusta National.
Eagle-eyed Woods fans also spotted he was without his customary Nike sunglasses for the first time.
According to No Laying Up, they have heard whispers Woods will be parting ways with Nike following the PNC Championship where he will tee it up alongside his son Charlie Woods from December 16-17.
If that is indeed the case, it would bring to an end a 27-year partnership between Woods and Nike Golf.
The No Laying Podcast believes a new apparel brand will start up by one of the OEMs in 2024.
Other Nike Golf athletes could be involved in the shake-up, too, confirms NLU.
No Laying Up is quoted as saying:
“Hearing some stuff that the PNC was allegedly his last tournament with Nike. So we’ll see what happens there for similar things and some other Nike athletes as well. Potential apparel brand being started by one of the OEMs.”
The popular Tiger Woods social media fan account, TWLegion, tweeted in response:
“The Nike rumblings are not new and have been ongoing for some time. There is the shoe situation – but there are some other signs as well, such as Tiger no longer wearing Nike sunglasses. Apparently no TW apparel in at least the preliminary ‘24 catalogue as well. Will be interesting to see what happens as 10 year contract was up for renewal.”
Last week, Woods expressed optimism to the media that he would be able to play in one PGA Tour event each month by 2024.
A situation akin to the one that occurred when tennis great Roger Federer quit Nike in the summer of 2018 following a 24-year collaboration is on the minds of some sports fans.
Despite retiring in 2022, Federer ultimately signed a $300 million, ten-year contract with Japanese apparel retailer Uniqlo.
We will have more information about Woods’ potential split with Nike Golf when we have it available.
