Former world No. 1 golfer Jason Day has ended his relationship with Nike Golf, as the future of Tiger Woods’ iconic links to the brand remain uncertain.
Day is back in action for the first PGA Tour event of the year at this week’s Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii. The Australian has arrived donning a new brand though, and will sport Malbon Golf apparel for his first outing in 2024.
The shift in clothing sees Day leave behind his links with Nike, having become one of the sport’s brands most recognisable players on the PGA Tour in recent years.
Day’s relationship with Nike Golf began back in 2016, when the Australian signed a deal worth a reported £80 million ($100m). He joined a whole host of big names including Woods, Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka in donning the brand on the golf course, but will do so no more.
The Australian’s decision to walk away from Nike raises fresh doubt over Woods’ links to the sports brand. The 82-time PGA Tour winner has become synonymous with the swoosh during his time as arguably the greatest golfer of all time, becoming one of nike’s most iconic athletes.
In total Woods has been a Nike athlete for 27 years, wearing the brand’s apparel and using their golf equipment up until their decision to stop club production in 2017. Woods’ most recent deal with the swoosh was signed in 2013, with the 10-year contract worth a reported £160 million ($200m).
Tiger Woods’ future with Nike remains uncertain
With this deal finishing at the end of 2023 though, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Woods and Nike. Woods’ appearances on the PGA Tour have been sparse in recent years, with the 48-year-old battling a whole host of fitness issues stemming for a car accident in February 2021.
Woods left fans in shock following his return to golf in 2022, as he opted to drop Nike’s golf shoes out on the course in exchange for FootJoy. At the time Woods revealed at the 2022 Masters it was decision made due to comfort on the back of his injuries.
“I have very limited mobility now,” he said at the time. “Just with the rods and plates and screws that are in my leg, I needed something different, something that allowed me to be more stable. That’s what I’ve gone to.”
This was echoed by Nike themselves, who commented: “Like golf fans around the world, we are delighted to see Tiger back on the course. He is an incredible athlete, and it is phenomenal to see him returning to the game at this level. His story continues to transcend sport and inspire us all.
“As he continues his return, we will work with him to meet his new needs.” Woods ended 2023 by competing in two events at the Hero World Challenge, followed by the PNC Championship alongside son Charlie. On both occasions Woods continued to wear the swoosh on his chest, but opted to remain with FootJoy on his feet.
Whilst competing in the parent-child event in Florida last month, Woods was questioned on his future with the Nike, to which he responded: “I’m still wearing their product.” Pressed for further details, Woods remained resolute and gave nothing away about his apparel plans heading into the New Year.
