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For nearly three decades, Tiger Woods has been the face of Nike golf.
But now it appears that Woods’ legendary run with the industry giant could soon come to an end.
The No Laying Up podcast reported Monday that reported that next week’s PNC Championship could be Woods’s last tournament with the company.
It also marks Woods’ final tournament of 2023.
The 15-time major champion first signed with Nike in 1996 on a a five-year, $40 million deal. Once that deal expired, Woods inked a further five-year with the company, this time for $100 million. Woods’ third contract with Nike came in 2005 for eight years and upward for $20 million year.
But Woods made waves at the 2023 Masters Tournament when he showed up wearing FootJoy golf shoes.
It now appears that his defection from the company could be a larger sign that Nike is set to shutter its golf division.
The company already stopped making golf equipment in July of 2016.
Now No Laying Up reports that additional Nike golf athletes, such as superstars Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, and Scottie Scheffler, could also leave the brand.
The report also hints at an existing equipment manufacturer creating its own apparel line.
Wood has used TaylorMade clubs since Nike stopping manufacturing equipment in 2016. TaylorMade currently has an apparel line, though it is limited.
Woods and Nike are nearly inseparable from a brand recognition standpoint. He’s featured in several iconic commercials throughout the year and its golf equipment line was founded in 1998 due in large part to the company’s affiliation with Woods.
If Nike does, in fact, leave golf altogether, it will end a nearly 40-year run of creating golf apparel.
Woods, meanwhile, is still the biggest fish on the market. And whichever brand lands his signature for an apparel deal is in for a massive boost.