Tiger Woods put hidden comeback hint in Nike Golf split announcement statement
Tiger Woods has hinted that his next outing on the PGA Tour will come at the Genesis Invitational next month, after the 48-year-old announced he had split with Nike.
Woods took to social media on Monday to announce his 27-year partnership with Nike had come to an end heading into 2024. He wrote: "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. [Former Nike CEO] Phil Knight's passion and vision brought this Nike and Nike Golf partnership together," Woods continued.
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"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." The announcement ends one of the most iconic sporting partnerships in the history of sport, with Woods becoming a staple Nike athlete during his career.
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The 82-time PGA Tour winner did however have some good news for his fans, confirming he will be returning in Los Angeles in the near future: "People will ask if there is another chapter. Yes, there will certainly be another chapter. See you in LA! Tiger."
It would appear Woods' nod to L.A. all but confirms his plans to compete in the Genesis in February. Woods has been forced to adopt a part-time playing career in recent years having suffered threatening injuries in a car accident two days after the L.A.-based tournament in 2021.
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Woods does however have close ties with the Genesis Invitational after being named tournament host in 2017, and it appears his first event of 2024 could well come at Riviera. The 15-time major champion competed in the event a year ago, in his first appearance since the 2022 Open Championship at St Andrews seven months earlier.
His outing last February is one of only two PGA Tour entries that have come outside of golf's four majors since the accident, with the other coming at last month's Hero World Challenge - another event where he takes on hosting duties. Speaking in the Bahamas in December Woods did outline a plan for 2024.
The 48-year revealed he was hoping to play in at least one event each month, but having missed the season-opening Sentry Tournament last week, and not on the entry lists of the Sony Open, American Express and Farmers Insurance Open, Woods looks set to skip January and return next month.
He will of course do so without the iconic Nike branding on his chest for the first time in his professional career. Woods had already replaced Nike's footwear with FootJoy a trend he started upon his return at the 2022 Masters, citing comfort for his recovering leg as the reason behind it.
Above the ankle, it remains to be seen which apparel brand will snap up the golfing icon next. Woods could well turned to clothing line Greyson Clothiers, a brand worn by his son Charlie who he partnered at last month's PNC Championship. Close friend and fellow PGA Tour star Justin Thomas is also an ambassador of the brand.
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