Tiger Woods gives reporter frosty response at PNC Championship
Tiger Woods appeared to indicate there is perhaps something going on behind-the-scenes with Nike as he refused to engage a reporter at the PNC Championship.
Tiger Woods appeared to indicate there is perhaps some truth to the rumours his time wearing Nike gear could be up.
For nearly 30 years the swoosh has been synonymous with the 15-time major champion.
He signed his first deal with the brand in 1996 and has repeatedly signed extensions over the years, the most recent in 2013.
Woods, at one stage in his career, even used their clubs but Nike stopped making equipment in 2016.
The rumour Woods' time with Nike could be coming to an end came from the No Laying Up podcast.
Co-host Tron Carter suggested this week's PNC Championship could be the last time we see the golfer in their product.
According to Carter, Nike is said to be considering a move to shut down its golf division.
That would mean other brand ambassadors such as Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka also depart for good.
Typically Woods' 14-year-old son always wears the same as his father when they compete at the PNC Championship.
But during their opening round at the hit-and-giggle PGA Tour event, Charlie was in different attire.
Woods has kept a low-profile this week, choosing not to do a pre-tournament press conference with the media.
Instead, he gave a short interview with an official from the PGA Tour communications department.
But a few reporters managed to speak to him after the first round in Florida to ask Woods what is happening with Nike.
The question was straightforward: "There's been a lot of chatter the last month or so on your relationship with Nike, and where that's going. Can you give any clarity to that?"
Woods clearly didn't want to go into detail on the topic but what he did say gave a clear indication something is going on.
"I'm still wearing their product," he said. The reporter added: "Is this the end of it, coming up?"
Woods' five-word answer did not change."I'm still wearing their product," he said firmly.
It wasn't a surprising response in the slightest.
Elsewhere, Woods was similarly not forthcoming with his thoughts on a number of other topics.
He said he 'assumed it was just speculation' that Jon Rahm was going to join LIV.
Woods also said the timeframe for the PGA Tour's deal with the Saudi PIF and other investors has not changed.
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