LOS ANGELES — For greater than 27 years, Tiger Woods‘ identify, accomplishments and lots of information have been synonymous with the pink that he wears on Sundays.
Following a cut up from longtime sponsor Nike earlier this 12 months, Woods is abandoning the swoosh however bringing his signature colour with him.
On Monday, forward of the Genesis Invitational the place Woods will make his 2024 PGA debut as a enjoying event host, the 15-time main winner introduced a brand new “lively premium way of life model” known as “Solar Day Purple” at the side of golf gear firm TaylorMade.
“It is the appropriate time in my life,” Woods mentioned on the launch occasion. “It is transitional. I am not a child anymore. Life modifications, I’ve youngsters now, and this is a vital a part of transitioning into this a part of my life, to have a product and a model that I am happy with.”
Throughout the room from the place Woods introduced Solar Day Purple have been mannequins outfitted within the model’s attire, together with hoodies, polos, outerwear and hats.
“I’ve realized a lot over time and have a lifetime of expertise adjusting my attire and footwear to assist me play higher based mostly on the best way it was constructed,” Woods mentioned in a information launch. “There are issues that I might inform you that nobody knew I used to be doing over time. I am able to share these secrets and techniques with the world.”
The model’s identify comes from Woods’ iconic final-round outfits, which, as Woods defined once more Monday, originate from his Thailand-born mom, Kultida, who advised him pink was his energy colour. The emblem is a stretched-out tiger with 15 stripes — one for every main championship Woods has gained in his profession.
“What occurs once we win one other main championship?” Woods requested with a smile. “We will should redo the trademark.”
On the occasion, TaylorMade Golf’s CEO David Abeles highlighted the truth that although Solar Day Purple could also be a part of TaylorMade’s general firm, Woods’ model shall be its personal enterprise unit with its personal headquarters, designers and staffing.
Brad Blankinship, who beforehand led surf attire firms Quiksilver and RVCA, has been named the corporate’s president.
“It is a full-blown unequivocal partnership,” Abeles mentioned. “There is not any affect from TaylorMade on this model. The model stands alone, it would have its personal id.”
Abeles mentioned Solar Day Purple will launch first with males’s golf attire, however its objective is to create way of life clothes that may prolong past the golf course and can finally embrace ladies’s and youngsters’ attire, too.
When requested by ESPN whether or not the brand new firm may even embrace footwear, Abeles confirmed it could, beginning with a golf shoe and increasing to incorporate way of life footwear. Whereas being sponsored by Nike, Woods has notably worn FootJoy golf sneakers since returning to competitors from accidents he suffered in a automotive wreck exterior Los Angeles in February 2021.
“We absolutely anticipate having footwear in market by early subsequent 12 months, if not sooner,” Abeles advised ESPN. “You may even see Tiger sporting it someday this spring or summer season.”
Woods has been enjoying with TaylorMade golf equipment since 2017, when he signed a sponsorship take care of the gear firm. On the time, the deal didn’t embrace attire, which remained Nike-branded till Woods introduced earlier this 12 months that he can be beginning a brand new chapter.
Monday’s announcement continues a rising partnership between Woods and TaylorMade. Final 12 months, the gear firm made a big funding in PopStroke, an upscale placing and eating venue owned partially by Woods.
Whereas the Solar Day Purple web site went on-line instantly after Monday’s announcement, TaylorMade Golf plans to launch its first attire line in america and Canada on Could 1.
Woods, in the meantime, will start to put on Solar Day Purple attire this week at Riviera Nation Membership, which is able to host the PGA Tour’s second signature occasion of the season. Final 12 months, Woods performed all 4 rounds of the event. He then went on to make the reduce within the 2023 Masters earlier than withdrawing after three rounds. He had surgical procedure to fuse his ankle quickly after the Masters and didn’t return till December for his Hero World Problem within the Bahamas.
Woods mentioned on the Hero World Problem that his objective was to play in no less than one event each month throughout the main season.
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