Tiger Woods is preparing to play the 2022 Masters at Augusta National in new shoes — and they aren't Nikes
AP Photo/Matt Slocum
- Tiger Woods is wearing FootJoy shoes during his practice rounds at Augusta National.
- Woods is famously one of the biggest ambassadors that Nike has on its roster, and usually wears Nike shoes.
- Nike released a cryptic statement supporting Tiger in his return to golf.
Tiger Woods is making news with every step he takes at Augusta National this week heading into the 2022 Masters.
While Woods still says he's a "game-time decision" when it comes to making his first competitive start since his car accident in February 2021, all signs currently point to him teeing it up on Thursday to battle for a sixth green jacket.
Few sights are as familiar to the world of golf as Woods walking down the fairways of Augusta National, but those walks have come with one significant change this year — Woods' shoes.
As some eagle-eyed commentators noted over the weekend, Woods was sporting FootJoy shoes, rather than his usual Nike kicks.
—Brendan Robertson (@BrendanWJBF) April 4, 2022
In a statement to ESPN's Michael Collins, Nike addressed the situation but stayed away from specifics.
"Like golf fans around the world, we are delighted to see Tiger back on the course. He is an incredible athlete, and it is phenomenal to see him returning to the game at this level," the company told Collins.
"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."
Between the statement and the fact that Tiger is currently sporting FootJoy, it feels likely that Woods has some new needs that are being met by the new shoes.
Given that Woods is attempting to walk one of the toughest courses in golf just 14 months after a car accident left his leg and ankle severely injured, it's not surprising he might have some specific needs that have to be addressed for his first competitive event.
While it's obviously not an ideal situation for Nike, chances are that if a pair of FootJoy shoes are ultimately what helps Tiger play through the weekend, the swoosh will still get plenty of screentime.