Woods already struggling to meet 2024 PGA Tour aim after confirming Nike split
Tiger Woods is set to fall at the first hurdle in his plan to play once a month in 2024 on the PGA Tour. Woods has been forced to turn to a part-time schedule in recent years, after suffering career-threatening injury in a car crash in February 2021.
In 2023 Woods placed just three times, one of which was cut short at last April's Masters, where he suffered an ankle injury partway through the event. The issue sidelined the 15-time major champion for eight months before his return at the Hero World Challenge last month.
Ahead of his comeback in The Bahamas, Woods outlined plans to play once a month following the turn of the year in a bid to ramp up his playing schedule after three years of fitness issues.
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It appears that January will be skipped by the 82-time PGA Tour winner though. The circuit got its season underway at The Sentry without Woods last week, and with the 48-year-old not on the entry list of the American Express or Farmers Insurance Open, he looks set to start his season in February.
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Woods further pointed to delaying his return until next month when confirming he had ended his 27-year relationship with Nike Golf. Woods had been partnered with Nike since turning professional in 1996, becoming one of the brand's most iconic athletes.
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Tiger Woods announced his split with Nike on Monday (Getty Images)In 2024 however he will compete without the famous swoosh on his chest, announcing the news in an emotional statement on Monday. "Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate to start a partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the world," he wrote on X.
"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.
"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." Woods went on to tell fans that they would next catch him in Los Angeles, a nod to his return coming at next month's L.A.-based Genesis Invitational.
The five-time green jacket winner has strong links with the event, having been named tournament host back in 2017. One of Woods' three outings in 2023 came at Riviera last year, finishing the week in a tie for 45th after posting one-under-par across his four rounds.
If Woods is to return to his one-event-a-month plan moving forward, March could see him return to TPC Sawgrass for the Players Championship. April then of course brings the Masters, before the PGA Championship, U.S. Open and Open Championship follow in May, June and July.
Post-major season it remains to be seen what Woods' plans will be. There is no doubt the American will have his eyes set on the FedEx Cup playoffs in August, but playing a limited schedule will mean he will more than likely have to add win No. 83 to his record if he is to make the season-ending cut.
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