Tiger Woods Gives Coy Response When Asked About Nike Sponsorship Rumors
Woods and Nike have been one of the most iconic sporting duos of all time - but recent reports have stated the relationship could be coming to an end...


For almost 30 years, Tiger Woods and Nike have been synonymous with the one another. The giant sporting apparel brand began sponsoring the golfing behemoth when Woods was just 20 years old, making an introduction via the famous 'Hello World' TV advert.
But there have been an increasing number of reports in recent weeks and months that that seemingly-forever relationship could actually be coming to an end very soon.
With Woods in the early days of his latest professional comeback at 47 years old and having only featured in the Hero World Challenge prior to this event since April's Masters, there have been very few opportunities to hear from the man himself about what the future may hold, competitively or with regard to the clothes he wears.
But at this week's PNC Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida - where Tiger is playing with his son, Charlie and has employed daughter, Sam as his looper - Woods Sr was finally asked about the Nike rumors which have been circulating with increasing fervour.
A reporter asked: “There’s been a lot of chatter the last month or so on your relationship with Nike, and where that’s going. Can you give any clarity to that?”
With his hands fixed on his hips, Woods replied: “I’m still wearing their product.”
The journalist then pressed for a different response via a more direct question: "Is this the end of it, coming up?"
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Woods said: “I’m still wearing their product.”
With most sponsorship contracts beginning or ending at the turn of the calendar year, this week's PNC Championship could be the last time Woods is seen in the famous Sunday red with a Nike Swoosh over his heart.
The 15-time Major champion has reportedly earned around $500 million (£394 million) via his lengthy association with the American apparel company and has adorned the brand's famous logo throughout his illustrious career to ensure both have benefitted greatly. Nike even stayed loyal to Woods during the golfer's handful of personal problems, too, when other brands like Gillette, Gatorade, Accenture and AT&T all dropped him.
Although Woods has moved away from Nike products for a variety of reasons in recent years - the brand stopped making clubs in 2016 and Woods moved over to FootJoy shoes in April 2022 following his car accident - a total split would remain a significant shock. Only time will tell whether Woods and Nike part ways or whether the iconic pair remain together for the foreseeable future via a new deal.
If you're wondering what to buy for a loved one over the holidays, check out our 19 Top Christmas Gifts For Golfers.
Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Joaquin Niemann. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and recently reached his Handicap goal of 18 for the first time. He attended both the 150th and 151st Open Championships and dreams of attending The Masters one day.
-
Augusta National Drive, Chip And Putt - Full Results From The Masters Venue
The annual competition for junior golfers took place at Augusta National days before The Masters - here's what happened
By Mike Hall Published
-
The Masters Fantasy: Who Are The Golf Monthly Team Selecting For Their Rosters?
The Masters Fantasy is here and, in this piece, the Golf Monthly team take you through their roster for the upcoming event at Augusta National
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Tiger Woods Heads The List Of 16 Past Masters Champions Not Playing At Augusta National This Year
Tiger Woods is the big name on the list this year as one of 16 past Masters champions not playing in the 2025 tournament at Augusta National
By Paul Higham Published
-
'I Can't Believe I'm Saying This' - Tiger Woods Hints At Shock Augusta Appearance Before Revealing True State Of His Achilles In April Fools Joke
Woods was apparently keen not to miss out on the whimsical nature of April 1 by posting a playful update on his recovery from Achilles surgery
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
'The People Can’t Get Enough Of Him. We Can’t Get Enough Of Him. It Would Be Sad That He Wouldn’t Come Back Here And Play In The Future' - Major Champions Call On Tiger Woods To Become 'Ceremonial' Masters Player Once He Retires
Two-time US Open winners Andy North and Curtis Strange responded to questions about Tiger Woods' future in golf prior to the 89th Masters tournament
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
'Tiger Did Some Stuff In 2000...But Scottie’s Year Was The Best We’ve Ever Seen' - Bubba Watson Sparks Debate With Controversial Scheffler Claim
Bubba Watson has sparked a huge golfing debate after claiming Scottie Scheffler's 2024 season was better than Tiger Woods' all-conquering 2000 campaign
By Paul Higham Published
-
‘It’s The Craziest Thing In The History Of Sport What Tiger Woods Did’ - Brandel Chamblee Questions 15-Time Major Winner’s Swing Changes During Peak Of Career
Speaking on the Dan on Golf podcast, Chamblee claimed that Woods' move to coach, Hank Haney, in 2004 was one of the 'craziest things in the history of sport'
By Matt Cradock Published
-
'Love Is In The Air' - Tiger Woods Announces Relationship With Vanessa Trump
The 15-time Major winner announced on social media that he and Vanessa Trump are together
By Elliott Heath Published
-
'He's In Great Spirits' - Fred Couples Issues Upbeat Bulletin On Tiger Woods As He Starts Latest Recovery
Tiger Woods is "in great spirits" as he starts his latest injury comeback from a ruptured Achilles - according to close friend Fred Couples
By Paul Higham Published
-
Report: Work On Tiger Woods Biopic To Begin - With Barack Obama's Film Company Involved
A film about the life and career of Tiger Woods is reportedly in the works, with Barack Obama's production company likely to be involved
By Paul Higham Published