A detail of U.S. Tiger Woods’ shoes as he warms up in the pre-Masters practice area at Augusta National Golf Club on April 3, 2022 in Augusta, Georgia.
Gregory Shamus | beautiful pictures
Tiger Woods doesn’t wear the logo Nike stumbles into Green Sunday at the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. Instead, Woods was spotted wearing a pair of black FootJoy Premier Series-Packard golf shoes.
The home scene of the full-scale Masters tournament, which opens on Thursday, has sparked widespread speculation in the golf world – and was responded to by a vague statement from Nike.
“Like golf fans around the world, we’re thrilled to see Tiger return to the course,” Nike said in a statement. “He’s an incredible athlete, and it’s been extraordinary to see him come back to compete at this level. His story continues to rise above the sport and inspire others. All of us. As he continues to return, we will work with him to meet his new needs.”
FootJoy is owned by the public exchange Acushnet. A representative for Acushnet did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment.
The change in footwear doesn’t appear to have motivated investors in any meaningful way. Acushnet shares were up nearly 2% in pre-market trading Monday, while Nike shares were up slightly.
Tiger Woods of the United States warms up in the practice area ahead of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 3, 2022 in Augusta, Georgia.
Gregory Shamus | beautiful pictures
Some argue that the switch could be due to Woods’ horrific car accident last Februaryseriously injured his leg. It may lead him to look for more comfortable options for his feet.
Woods, who turned pro in 1996, has been with Nike throughout his career. He even got his own pair of golf shoes with the sneaker giant, the Nike Air Zoom Tiger Woods. To be sure, he still wore the emblazoned swoosh on his coral polo shirt on Sunday.
Woods has not specifically commented on his shoe choice this weekend, but he has taken to social media to say he will be making a “game time decision” whether he Did he compete in the Masters? Should be played, it will mark his first game since November 2020.
His last major championship was in 2019 at Augusta National, his 5th Masters title overall.
