A element of the sneakers of Tiger Woods of the USA as he warms up within the observe space previous to the Masters at Augusta Nationwide Golf Membership on April 03, 2022 in Augusta, Georgia.
Gregory Shamus | Getty Pictures
Tiger Woods did not put on the long-lasting Nike swoosh on his toes when he stepped onto the course Sunday at Augusta Nationwide Golf Membership in Georgia. As an alternative, Woods was noticed carrying a pair of black FootJoy Premiere Collection-Packard golf sneakers.
The sight on the dwelling course of the storied Masters match, which kicks off Thursday, triggered widespread hypothesis within the golf world – and was met by a imprecise assertion from Nike.
“Like golf followers all over the world, we’re delighted to see Tiger again on the course,” Nike stated in an announcement. “He’s an unbelievable athlete, and it’s phenomenal to see him returning to the sport at this degree. His story continues to transcend sport and encourage us all. As he continues his return, we’ll work with him to satisfy his new wants.”
FootJoy is owned by publicly traded Acushnet. A consultant for Acushnet did not instantly reply to CNBC’s request for remark.
The footwear flap moved traders barely, too. Acushnet shares rose greater than 2% in noon buying and selling, whereas Nike shares climbed greater than 1%.
Tiger Woods of the USA warms up within the observe space previous to the Masters at Augusta Nationwide Golf Membership on April 03, 2022 in Augusta, Georgia.
Gregory Shamus | Getty Pictures
Some have prompt that the switch-up may very well be as a consequence of Woods’ horrific car accident last February, which severely injured his legs. It may need left him looking for extra comfy choices for his toes.
Woods, who turned professional in 1996, has been affiliated with Nike all through his profession. He even has his personal pair of golf sneakers with the sneaker large, Nike Air Zoom Tiger Woods. To make sure, on Sunday he was nonetheless carrying the swoosh brand embellished on his coral-colored polo shirt.
Woods hasn’t commented particularly on his shoe decisions over the weekend, however he did take to social media to say he shall be making a “game-time determination” whether or not or not he competes within the Masters. Must be play, it could mark his first competitors since November 2020.
His final main championship win got here in 2019 at Augusta Nationwide, his fifth Masters title general.
Correction: This story was up to date to replicate the correct spelling of Augusta Nationwide Golf Membership and FootJoy Premiere Collection-Packard golf sneakers.
