Tiger on the hunt for new clubs manufacturer
If and when Tiger Woods makes his return to the PGA Tour, he'll be using new clubs.
Nike shocked the golf world Wednesday when it announced it was transitioning out of the golf equipment-making business to focus on footwear and apparel, leaving star-studded talents Woods and Rory McIlroy without a clubs manufacturer.
Couldn’t play w/o clubs, balls & bag or men & woman dedicated to them. Grateful for their hard work & innovation from an amazing @Nike team
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) August 4, 2016
It's because of these people we put the wound ball into extinction. They helped me win grand slam.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) August 4, 2016
Woods' agent Mark Steinberg told Golf.com that he's set to begin the search for a new clubmaker for the former world No. 1.
"Tiger and I have had multiple conversations about what we'd do," Steinberg said, "and we have an organized plan in place. The plan is continued rest and rehabilitation and we'll sort out the equipment thing in due course. I'll be in the process of doing that, effective immediately."
Woods will continue to rock the Nike swoosh, though, Steinberg confirmed.
"He's been a longtime icon of Nike golf and that's not going to change one ounce. He'll remain a loyal and enthusiastic icon of Nike."
McIlroy tweeted early Thursday about the news, and it appears he'll remain a part of the Nike brand as well:
Sad for @nikegolf employees that worked so hard and made genuinely great golf equipment. Your support will always be appreciated #TeamNike
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) August 4, 2016