The former World Number One is now set to try again in December at his foundation’s Hero World Challenge. Whether or not Woods will actually make it into the field is anyone’s guess. After over a year out of competitive play there will be a lot of hype if/when the 40-year-old returns and countless comparisons to the golfer he once was.
For Woods’ part he seems to already be taking a hard look at what his career will be post-professional play. One interesting theory involves the golfer getting into the manufacturing game and with Nike exiting the equipment race could this really be the superstar’s next move?
Since September rumors have been flying around the Internet that Woods (the front man for a venture capital group) is in negotiations to buy TaylorMade Golf from adidas. The 14x major winner has yet to confirm or perhaps more interestingly deny the rumors – leaving many to continue to speculate over the nature of the deal.
Last week Woods unveiled what he hopes will become his “post-playing” legacy, TGR – Tiger Woods Ventures. On his website Woods stated TGR represents his “Chapter 2: my evolution as a competitor off the course.” This new company will serve as an umbrella for all the American’s current and future business interests.Sitting down? Sources telling me @TigerWoods in serious negotiation to purchase @TaylorMadeGolf from @adidas AG .
— Rick Young (@RickSCOREGolf) September 15, 2016
This is an interesting move for the golfer and could possibly point towards the legitimacy of the TaylorMade rumors. With some seeing this as Woods “cleaning up house” before the big announcement.
Many were hoping his Safeway Open appearance might also lend to the validity of the TaylorMade story as it would be the first opportunity to see what clubs he had in the bag since Nike’s shock announcement. At the moment, all Nike equipment staffers are basically free agents. While the apparel contracts will stay firmly in place, those who use Nike clubs are allowed to try out other equipment as and when they want.Excited for Chapter 2: TGR. -TW #weareTGRhttps://t.co/bD8pWr5fcJ pic.twitter.com/Hnz0K4arWH
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) October 17, 2016
Only time will tell what Woods’ ultimate plan for the future is but we will definitely be keeping an eye out to see what equipment shows up in his bag come December!