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Tiger Woods turns up at August National in FootJoy golf shoes, not Nike

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A element of the footwear of Tiger Woods of the US as he warms up within the apply space previous to the Masters at Augusta Nationwide Golf Membership on April 03, 2022 in Augusta, Georgia.

Gregory Shamus | Getty Photographs

Tiger Woods did not put on the enduring Nike swoosh on his toes when he stepped onto the inexperienced Sunday at Augusta Nationwide Golf Membership in Georgia. As an alternative, Woods was noticed carrying a pair of black FootJoy Premier Collection-Packard golf footwear.

The sight on the residence course of the storied Masters match, which kicks off Thursday, triggered widespread hypothesis within the golf world – and was met by a obscure assertion from Nike.

“Like golf followers all over the world, we’re delighted to see Tiger again on the course,” Nike mentioned 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 are going to 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 did not seem to maneuver buyers in any significant method. Acushnet shares rose practically 2% in premarket buying and selling Monday, whereas Nike’s gained barely.

Tiger Woods of the US warms up within the apply space previous to the Masters at Augusta Nationwide Golf Membership on April 03, 2022 in Augusta, Georgia.

Gregory Shamus | Getty Photographs

Some have recommended that the switch-up may very well be because 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 footwear with the sneaker large, Nike Air Zoom Tiger Woods. To make sure, he was nonetheless carrying the swoosh emblem embellished on his coral-colored polo shirt on Sunday.

Woods hasn’t commented particularly on his shoe decisions this weekend, however he did take to social media to say he will likely be making a “game-time choice” whether or not or not he competes within the Masters. Ought to 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.

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