Tiger Woods and Nike Golf have officially ended their iconic 27-year relationship.
The golf legend himself made the announcement on Monday, reflecting on the incredible journey that began over two decades ago.
Woods expressed his gratitude and nostalgia in a heartfelt statement:
“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. 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. People will ask if there is another chapter. Yes, there will certainly be another chapter. See you in LA!”
This marks the end of an era that began in 1996 when Tiger Woods initially signed with Nike, reportedly for a groundbreaking five-year, $40 million deal.
The announcement was accompanied by the introduction of memorable television spots such as “Hello World” and “I’m Tiger Woods,” along with the release of Woods-branded shoes.
Nike, bidding farewell to Woods on Instagram, acknowledged the profound impact he had on the sport:
“Tiger, you challenged your competition, stereotypes, conventions, the old school way of thinking. You challenged the entire institution of golf. You challenged us. And most of all, yourself. And for that challenge, we’re grateful.”
In 2000, Tiger Woods signed a groundbreaking 5-year, $105 million contract extension with Nike. His endorsement was instrumental in propelling Nike Golf from a “start-up” to the leading golf apparel company globally, with an estimated $600 million in sales.
Described as the “ultimate endorser” for Nike Golf, Woods not only wore their gear during tournaments but also featured prominently in advertisements for various products.
His impact is reflected in a building named after him at Nike’s headquarters campus in Beaverton, Oregon.
In 2013, Tiger Woods extended his partnership with Nike Golf by signing a 10-year contract valued at $200 million.
Thus, in 2023, he was already approaching the conclusion of the decade-long agreement he entered into back in 2013.
Tiger Woods is tied for first in PGA Tour wins and ranks second in men’s major championships, holding numerous records.
Rising to prominence in 1996, he dominated the early 2000s with 545 consecutive weeks as the world’s top-ranked player and 13 major championships.
Overcoming personal and health challenges in the next decade, including a hiatus in 2009, Woods made comebacks, winning the Tour Championship in 2018 and the 2019 Masters after an 11-year major drought.
Despite a serious car crash in 2021 and declaring the end of his full-time professional career in November, he returned to the PGA Tour at the 2022 Masters.
Woods has 15 major championships, 82 PGA Tour wins, and various records, earning accolades like the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019.
