Tiger Woods’ shoe controversy, explained: Why golf star isn’t wearing Nike at 2022 Masters
Golf fans have been elated viewing Tiger Woods practising at the Augusta Nationwide Golf Club in advance of the 2022 Masters Match. That elation was taken up a notch when he announced in a push conference Tuesday is aiming to play in the event.
But one particular issue that has genuinely stunned golf followers has been what Woods has been sporting on his feet. The world wide sports icon who is sponsored by Nike, and who has a constructing named right after him on the brand’s campus, was seen carrying a pair of black FootJoy Premier Series-Packard golfing shoes, according to CNBC.
For most men and women, the design of shoes worn would not be all that distinctive. Woods is not most men and women, and the stunning shoe alternative rattled the golfing environment.
More: Tiger Woods clarifies 2022 Masters designs at push meeting
Why has it been this kind of a large offer? The Sporting News requires a glimpse.
Tiger Woods shoe controversy, described
Woods grew to become a skilled golfer on the PGA Tour in 1996. Considering that then, his sneakers have normally contained the acquainted Nike swoosh. Woods at first signed with Nike back in 1996, which kicked off their 26-yr partnership.
His exercise round at Augusta Nationwide was the initial time on a golf study course Woods has been witnessed with a diverse model of sneakers other Nike.
The different shoes led to speculation as to the status of Woods’ long term with Nike. Could his offer with the huge brand name be in jeopardy? Not likely. All through a press meeting, Woods mentioned that his mobility is restricted and that with “rods and plates and screws” in his leg, he necessary a various style of shoe to aid him continue being much more stable, according to Fox Business. Woods has continued to dress in Nike outfits all through exercise.
Much more: How realistic are Tiger Woods’ prospects to gain a sixth environmentally friendly jacket in 2022?
“Nike’s been great over the yr for supplying me with gear and work,” Woods reported. “We have been working on attempting to discover some thing to allow me to do this and swing again. We’re even now likely to proceed carrying out it and ideally we’ll have a thing quickly.”
Nike issued a statement to Fox Enterprise, stating that the company is “delighted to see Tiger back on the training course.”
“He is an incredible athlete, and it is phenomenal to see him returning to the activity at this level. His tale continues to transcend activity and encourage us all. As he carries on his return, we will operate with him to satisfy his new wants,” Nike said.
Additional: Tiger Woods vehicle accident timeline
Woods was included in a one-car crash back in February 2021 that still left him with multiple leg injuries, and wherever the Los Angeles County Sheriff described Woods as “blessed to be alive.” In a statement on Twitter, it was disclosed Woods had numerous fractures in his suitable leg and that the fibula and tibula required to be stabilized with a rod. It also said he had screws and pins put in his foot and ankle.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) February 24, 2021
In a November push meeting, Woods defined that amputation of his ideal leg was “on the desk.” He also stated that even whilst sitting down at the table, he felt suffering in his back and leg.
Tiger Woods-Nike contract specifics
The to start with offer Woods signed with Nike arrived as a modest five-12 months, $40 million deal, according to ESPN. At the time that offer expired, Woods followed it up with a 5-calendar year, $100 million offer with Nike, per the report, which started out in 2001.
Immediately after the next deal, Nike and Woods agreed to an 8-yr offer that was truly worth amongst $20 and $40 million for every 12 months, Forbes reported. He followed that up with a $200 million deal in 2013, in accordance to Business enterprise Insider.
Woods has surely obtained a lot of revenue from Nike by endorsing their goods in excess of the earlier 26 several years. Nevertheless, the deal has been symbiotic. Apex Advertising and marketing found that the worth of Woods’ gain in the 2019 Masters Event was value extra than $22 million in exposure for Nike, according to CNBC.
Woods will unquestionably be in the spotlight at Augusta in 2022 for as extended as he is in a position to make the cuts. As long as viewers are more concentrated on his shirt than his sneakers, Nike need to yet again have a lucrative Masters.