Tiger Woods, who had been using Nike equipment since turning pro in 1996, said he will play with TaylorMade equipment. Last year, Nike announced it was exiting the golf equipment business.
Woods tweeted the news: “After several months of testing and all brands to choose from, the choice is clearly @TaylorMadeGolf. Proud to join the family!”
The multi-year contract is for all clubs except the putter. The endorsement deal does not include equity. He joins the likes of Jason Day, Dustin Johnson and Justin Rose as TaylorMade players. According to USA Today, Woods will still have Nike irons in his bag this week, but will work with TaylorMade on designing a new iron set to use later in the year.
In a statement, TaylorMade said the signing “is a definitive move by the company that reaffirms its ongoing commitment to fielding the strongest Tour staff in the industry and putting the highest performing equipment in the hands of the best players in the world.”
Since first turning professional in 1996 at the age of 20, the 14-time major championship winner holds countless amateur and professional records on the PGA TOUR that place him among the game’s all-time greats. The eleven-time PGA TOUR Player of the Year will play TaylorMade metalwoods, irons and wedges as part of his club contract, with specific product models to be determined at the conclusion of Woods’ and TaylorMade’s extensive testing process.
Further, Tiger will co-create with TaylorMade’s club engineers and have an integral role in the design and development of a new, personalized iron model that will make its debut in Tiger’s bag at a future date to be determined.
“Throughout my career, I’ve always been meticulous about my equipment. Over the past few months, I’ve had clubs from every brand sent to me to test. When it came to making a final decision, the choice was easy—it all came down to performance, which is why I chose TaylorMade,” said Woods
Tiger’s history with the brand goes back to his days as the world’s top amateur, when he played TaylorMade metalwoods in his victories at both the 1994 &’95 U.S. Amateur Championships in addition to multiple other junior and professional tournaments on Tour.
“Our product teams at TaylorMade have a singular focus – to create the best performing golf equipment in the world. We are thrilled that Tiger has chosen to play TaylorMade. His impact on the game of golf is undeniable and we are honored to have him part of our team,” said David Abeles, CEO, TaylorMade Golf Company
In December, Woods signed an endorsement deal to play Bridgestone golf balls. Because he is still a Nike endorser, Woods is expected to still wear Nike apparel. The news comes just before his first start of 2017 at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines Golf Club.
Photo courtesy TaylorMade