Tiger Woods has spoken out for the first time amid rumors that his long-running deal with Nike could be coming to an end.
According to a recent report, this weekend's PNC Championship may be Woods' last branded tournament after raking in around $500 million through a lucrative 27-year partnership.
And after his first round alongside son Charlie, 14, and daughter Sam, 16, the 15-time major winner was asked about the rumored difficulties.
“I still wear their product,” was his response when asked to clarify the situation with the sportswear company, before being asked “is this the end of the matter?”
Once again, Woods reiterated his earlier response, telling reporters, “I still wear their product.”
Tiger Woods wore Nike on Saturday as he played with son Charlie at the PNC Championship
There are rumors that Woods, pictured with daughter Sam, might stop wearing Nike
The golfing great has worn the iconic Swoosh since 1996. Pictured is the 1997 Masters winner
During the first round, Woods, 47, had the swoosh on his clothing, but his son Charlie, who played next to him, noticeably did not.
The golf icon started wearing Nike when he was just 20, and the company has provided that its iconic Sunday Red looks and gifted fans with legendary commercials.
However, there have been rumors that the golfer and the company could part ways since Woods' miraculous comeback last year after his horror car crash in 2021.
Woods raised eyebrows when he showed up at Augusta National in April 2022 to make his return to the course since the single-vehicle car accident that nearly cost him his leg, wearing a pair of FootJoy golf shoes, instead of his usual Nike.
Explaining his choice of shoes to the media, he said: 'I now have very limited mobility. 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.'
Nike supported Woods' decision with a press release stating, “Like golf fans around the world, we are excited to see Tiger back on the course.
The sportswear giant has provided the 15-time major winner with his iconic Sunday red looks
Woods raised eyebrows when he performed at Augusta National in FootJoys in April 2022
“He is an incredible athlete and it is phenomenal to see him return to the sport at this level. His story still transcends sport and inspires us all. As he returns, we will work with him to meet his new needs.”
Woods also wore FootJoys again this year at the Masters and last week at the Hero World Challenge, but it appears the divide is now expanding beyond just shoes.
But despite speculations, the move doesn't seem to have any bitter feelings but is rather a business decision.
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.
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.
Woods broke his silence on reports that his and Nike's successful 27-year partnership could end
Other brand ambassadors, including Rory McIlroy (right), could also reportedly leave Nike
Woods' first contract with Nike in 1996 was reportedly worth $40 million over five years, followed by an estimated $100 million contract signed in 2001 over another five years, according to ESPN.
He signed another eight-year contract in 2006 for an estimated $20-40 million per year, which was extended in 2013 for an undisclosed amount, according to Forbes. His current deal is believed to be worth $200 million.
If they part ways, Woods wouldn't be the first leading athlete to part ways with Nike after a profitable partnership.
Soccer star Lionel Messi left Nike for Adidas in 2005, Kobe Bryant made the reverse move from Adidas to his own relationship with Nike, and Simone Biles left the sportswear giant for Athleta.