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Tiger Woods’s Split From Nike Golf Prompts Resurfacing of Iconic Moments and Commercials

As the golf world mourned the end of the Tiger Woods-Nike era, fans reminisced over the partnership’s defining moments.

Gabrielle Herzig

There’s only one way to describe Tiger Woods’s split from Nike: It’s the end of an era. 

On Monday, Woods put rumors to rest and officially announced that his 27-year partnership with the sportswear brand that defined his career had come to a close. 

Woods’s world-renowned Sunday red polo will no longer be adorned with a Nike swoosh.

“Over 27 years ago I was fortunate to start a partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the world," Woods said in a social media post. “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,” he added. “Yes, there will certainly be another chapter. See you in LA!"

It remains to be seen which brand Woods will partner with when he makes his next PGA Tour start at the Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles. Greyson Clothiers and a new TaylorMade apparel line have been floated as possibilities. 

But in the meantime, fans have had plenty to say about the legendary Woods and Nike deal and its shocking conclusion. Golf enthusiasts mourned the end of the contract on social media by reminiscing over some of the most nostalgic Nike commercials and Woods highlights of all time. 

From his logoed ball gently falling over the edge of the cup at Augusta National’s 16th hole in 2005 to the “Hello, World” commercial, here are some of clips that epitomized Woods’s beloved relationship with Nike Golf:

1. The chip shot heard ‘round the world.

2. This ball-juggling masterclass. 

3. Some casual target practice. 

4. A slow-motion work of art. 

5. This beautiful montage narrated by Woods’s late father, Earl Woods.

6. A congratulatory message after the 2019 Masters that captured all the emotions. 

7. Woods inspired a generation, and that included none other than Rory McIlroy—who still wears Nike to this day. 

8. The “Welcome Back” ad.

9. And last but not least, this commercial, which perfectly captures the “Tiger Woods effect."

 

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Gabrielle Herzig
GABRIELLE HERZIG

Gabrielle Herzig is a Breaking and Trending News writer for Sports Illustrated Golf. Previously, she worked as a Golf Digest Contributing Editor, an NBC Sports Digital Editorial Intern, and a Production Runner for FOX Sports at the site of the 2018 U.S. Open. Gabrielle graduated as a Politics Major from Pomona College in Claremont, California, where she was a four-year member and senior-year captain of the Pomona-Pitzer women’s golf team. In her junior year, Gabrielle studied abroad in Scotland for three months, where she explored the Home of Golf by joining the Edinburgh University Golf Club.

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