PGA Tour star quits Nike Golf as hint over Tiger Woods’ future dropped

Tiger Woods’ future with Nike Golf remains up in the air heading into 2024, but one of his fellow PGA Tour stars in Jason Day has already opted to end his relationship with the brand.

Jason Day, the former world No. 1 golfer, has decided to part ways with Nike Golf, leaving the future of Tiger Woods’ connection to the brand uncertain.

However, Day is not letting this affect his game as he gears up for the first PGA Tour event of the year, the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii. This time, he will be sporting the stylish Malbon Golf apparel, marking a new chapter in his golfing journey.

Day’s switch in clothing signifies a departure from his long-standing association with Nike. Over the years, he has become one of the most recognizable players on the PGA Tour, representing the brand with pride.

His partnership with Nike Golf began in 2016, when he signed a lucrative deal worth £80 million ($100m). Alongside other renowned golfers like Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Brooks Koepka, Day showcased the brand’s apparel on the golf course. However, now he is embarking on a fresh start with Malbon Golf.

The decision made by the Australian to part ways with Nike has raised new concerns about Woods’ association with the sports brand. Throughout his illustrious career, Woods has been closely associated with the swoosh, establishing himself as one of Nike’s most iconic athletes and arguably the greatest golfer of all time.

For a remarkable 27 years, Woods has been a Nike athlete, donning their apparel and utilizing their golf equipment until they ceased club production in 2017. In 2013, Woods signed his most recent deal with Nike, a decade-long contract reportedly valued at £160 million ($200m).

However, as this agreement is set to conclude by the end of 2023, the future between Woods and Nike remains uncertain. In recent years, Woods’ appearances on the PGA Tour have been infrequent, as the 48-year-old has been grappling with various fitness issues stemming from a car accident in February 2021.

To the surprise of fans, Woods made a significant change upon his return to golf in 2022, opting to swap Nike’s golf shoes for FootJoy on the course. During the 2022 Masters, Woods explained that this decision was driven by the comfort factor, considering his injuries.

“I currently have limited mobility,” he mentioned at the time. “With the rods, plates, and screws in my leg, I needed something different, something that could provide me with more stability. That’s why I made the switch.”

Nike themselves echoed this sentiment, stating: “Just like golf fans worldwide, we are thrilled to see Tiger back on the course. He is an extraordinary athlete, and it’s truly remarkable to witness his comeback at this level. His story goes beyond sports and continues to inspire us all.

“As he continues his journey, we will collaborate with him to fulfill his new requirements.” Woods concluded 2023 by participating in two events at the Hero World Challenge, followed by the PNC Championship alongside his son Charlie. On both occasions, Woods proudly displayed the Nike logo on his chest, while choosing to stick with FootJoy for his footwear.

During the parent-child event in Florida last month, Woods was asked about his future with Nike. He replied, “I’m still wearing their product.” When pressed for more information, Woods remained firm and kept his apparel plans for the upcoming year under wraps.