Jon Rahm completes LIV Golf switch
Tiger Woods might be back on the golf course after a seven-month layoff but his plans for a limited schedule in 2024 could have a wider implication than just disappointing fans. The 15-time major championship finally returned to the tee box last week at his own Hero World Challenge tournament in the Bahamas. Woods could only finish 18th out of a select field of 20 competitors, but the fact that he could finish at all was a positive step in the right direction.
The 47-year-old’s last appearance at a golf tournament was back in April at Augusta National for The Masters, where he made the cut but was forced to retire before the start of the third round.
He would subsequently undergo ankle surgery that kept him out of action until this month. Woods revealed that he no longer has any pain in his ankle, which has been fused, but still has niggles in other parts of his body.
As a result, the all-time great plans to partake in a severely cut-down schedule next year of around a dozen tournaments, effectively competing once a month. The streamlined plan will no doubt include all four majors as well as signature events like the Players’ Championship.
But with Woods already confirming such a limited appearance plan the benefit of his long-term sponsorship deal with Nike has come under question. The American has been in a partnership deal with the global sports brand on his current contract for 10 years but that finishes at the end of 2023, when the contract would then be up for renewal.
Tiger Woods might be back on the golf course after a seven-month layoff but his plans for a limited schedule in 2024 could have a wider implication than just disappointing fans.
The 15-time major championship finally returned to the tee box last week at his own Her World Challenge tournament in the Bahamas. Woods could only finish 18th out of a select field of 20 competitors, but the fact that he could finish at all was a positive step in the right direction.
And according to the popular golf podcast No Laying Up, rumours are circulating that suggest Nike could be ready to call time on their partnership with the biggest name in golf.
“I’m hearing some stuff, that the PNC (Championship) allegedly is his last tournament with Nike?” one contributor said. “Allegedly,” another responded.
“Wow. So we’ll see what happens there. Some similar things with some other Nike athletes as well,” the first contributor added.
Although neither podcaster was prepared to go as far as to confirm a split, other voices believe that it could well be true.
Tiger Woods-centric social media account TW LEGION wrote on X: “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.
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“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.”
Although Woods’ current Nike deal has lasted a decade, the iconic sportswear brand has been working with him for 27 years, first providing sponsorship back in 1996. But since he was involved in a car crash in 2021, he has not worn Nike-sponsored shoes.
The long-running partnership is believed to have been worth close to £400m to Woods across his illustrious career. But a special appearance at the PNC Championship alongside son Charlie could be the last time that he is seen wearing the famous swoosh on his first if the rumours turn out to be true.
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