Golf fans mourn 'end of an era' as Tiger Woods confirms his 27-year, $500 million partnership with Nike is over: 'This is like my parents getting divorced again'
Golf fans were devastated Monday by the news of Tiger Woods' divorce from Nike after 27 years.
After months of speculation about a split, the 15-time major winner confirmed that his 27-year partnership with the sportswear giant had come to an end.
The 48-year-old started wearing the iconic Swoosh when he was just 20, with the brand supplying the golf legend with his famous Sunday red looks and giving fans legendary commercials.
And fans took to social media to mourn the split, with many unable to fathom the end of an era.
“Can anyone imagine Tiger in anything other than Nike?” asked a golf fan on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Tiger Woods and Nike have announced that their $500 million partnership is over after 27 years
The 48-year-old started wearing the iconic Swoosh when he was just 20 in 1996
Golf fans were shocked because many couldn't imagine Woods in anything other than Nike
“They've literally been together my whole life. This is like my parents getting divorced again,” one account joked.
They added: “I will now be wearing Nike on Wednesdays after 3pm and every other weekend.”
Others merely lamented the “end of an era,” while one described the long-term partnership as “what a ride.”
One sports fan compared Woods to NBA superstar Michael Jordan, writing, “Outside of Jordan, this is the most iconic partnership ever. Too bad it's over.'
“Just don't do it,” one social media user wittily posted, referencing Nike's iconic “Just do it” slogan.
Another added: 'This hurts. Knew something was up when he wore footjoys. I hope he doesn't follow Jason Day and start wearing baggy pajamas.'
Woods shocked the golf world when he arrived at Augusta National in 2022 wearing a pair of FootJoy golf shoes instead of his usual Nike.
Woods, who made his miraculous comeback after his horror car crash in 2021 at that year's Masters, explained his choice of shoes, saying: 'I have very limited mobility now. Just with the rods, plates and screws in my leg, I needed something different, something that could help me be more stable. That's where I went.'
Fans took to social media to mourn the split, with many unable to fathom the end of an era
The fan also referenced former Nike golf ambassador Jason Day, who also split from the brand in the new year and played his first tournament in Malbon at The Sentry last week in baggy trousers that raised eyebrows.
Meanwhile, others have approached the sportswear company, accusing it of “bungling” the PGA Tour star and suggesting it would regret letting Woods leave.
“How Nike solved this is beyond me,” one fan shared, while another added, “He put Nike on the golf map, they should be very grateful.”
'Wow. I've looked at Nike products for gold (golf) over the years based on seeing Tiger in so much gear. Bad move by Nike,” said another.
However, others suggested the split was Woods' decision and hit out at Nike for forcing the golf icon out by being “woke.”
Others took issue with the sportswear company, accusing it of 'bungling' the PGA Tour star
“You wake up, you go bankrupt,” one posted, before another added: “I would too. Nike is more than woke, he should have done this 10 years ago.”
“They haven't been able to make him a shoe he can actually play in for a long time,” one person claimed. 'Brand lost its identity when it became involved in politics. Republicans buy sneakers too, as Jordan once said.”
“He probably wanted to quit Nike when they picked up Kaepernick,” said another, referring to former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who sparked controversy when he took a knee during the national anthem.
According to No Laying Up, Nike is considering a move to close its golf division. Nike stopped making golf equipment in 2016 and has only sold clothing since then.
Some social media users have taken to Nike for forcing the golf icon out by being “woke.”
Other brand ambassadors, including Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Brook Koepka, could also reportedly leave Nike for good.
The closure of Nike's golf division would mark the end of a 40-year period of making clothing and equipment for the sport.
After Nike stopped manufacturing equipment, Woods turned to TaylorMade, which does have an apparel division, albeit a limited one. He also uses Bridgestone balls.
It's currently unclear what Woods' plans will be for his future apparel, but while fans will no longer see him at Nike, they will see a lot of him in 2024 after he pledged to play a tournament every month.