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

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


A detail of the shoes of Tiger Woods of the United States as he warms up in the practice area prior to the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 03, 2022 in Augusta, Georgia.

Gregory Shamus | Getty Images

Tiger Woods didn’t wear the iconic Nike swoosh on his feet when he stepped onto the course Sunday at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. Instead, Woods was spotted wearing a pair of black FootJoy Premiere Series-Packard golf shoes.

The sight at the home course of the storied Masters tournament, which kicks off Thursday, triggered widespread speculation in the golf world – and was met by a vague statement from Nike.

“Like golf fans around the world, we are delighted to see Tiger back on the course,” Nike said in a statement. “He is an incredible athlete, and it is phenomenal to see him returning to the game at this level. His story continues to transcend sport and inspire us all. As he continues his return, we will work with him to meet his new needs.”

FootJoy is owned by publicly traded Acushnet. A representative for Acushnet didn’t immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment.

The footwear flap moved investors slightly, too. Acushnet shares rose more than 2% in midday trading, while Nike shares climbed more than 1%.

Tiger Woods of the United States warms up in the practice area prior to the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 03, 2022 in Augusta, Georgia.

Gregory Shamus | Getty Images

Some have suggested that the switch-up could be due to Woods’ horrific car accident last February, which severely injured his legs. It might have left him searching for more comfortable options for his feet.

Woods, who turned pro in 1996, has been affiliated with Nike throughout his career. He even has his own pair of golf shoes with the sneaker giant, Nike Air Zoom Tiger Woods. To be sure, on Sunday he was still wearing the swoosh logo embellished on his coral-colored polo shirt.

Woods hasn’t commented specifically on his shoe choices over the weekend, but he did take to social media to say he will be making a “game-time decision” whether or not he competes in the Masters. Should be play, it would mark his first competition since November 2020.

His last major championship win came in 2019 at Augusta National, his fifth Masters title overall.

Correction: This story was updated to reflect the proper spelling of Augusta National Golf Club and FootJoy Premiere Series-Packard golf shoes.



Source

Nike stock soars 17% after CEO soothes investors, says recovery is on the horizon
Business

Nike stock soars 17% after CEO soothes investors, says recovery is on the horizon

Nike stock soared 17% on Friday after the company said the worst of its struggles are behind it, following a better than feared fiscal fourth-quarter earnings report.  Nike on Thursday reiterated it would take the biggest financial hit from its turnaround plan during the quarter, soothing investors who worried President Donald Trump’s tariff hikes on […]

Read More
Hemi V-8 engines and mechanical bull rides: Inside Stellantis’ plan to revive its Ram Trucks brand after yearslong sales declines
Business

Hemi V-8 engines and mechanical bull rides: Inside Stellantis’ plan to revive its Ram Trucks brand after yearslong sales declines

Stellantis’ Ram display is seen at the New York International Auto Show on April 16, 2025. Danielle DeVries | CNBC AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis reemerged from a seven-month retirement late last year saying he “missed the fight” and admitting the Stellantis brand was getting smashed in the marketplace by its competition. […]

Read More
​Here’s how the luxury real estate market is splitting up
Business

​Here’s how the luxury real estate market is splitting up

View of luxury waterfront homes and boats along the intracoastal waterway near Jupiter Inlet in Jupiter, Florida in Palm Beach County Ryan Tishken | Istock | Getty Images A version of this article first appeared in CNBC’s Inside Wealth newsletter with Robert Frank, a weekly guide to the high-net-worth investor and consumer. Sign up to receive future […]

Read More