LOS ANGELES — For greater than 27 years, Tiger Woods’ identify, accomplishments and plenty of data have been synonymous with the crimson that he wears on Sundays.
Following a cut up from longtime sponsor Nike earlier this yr, Woods is forsaking the swoosh however bringing his signature shade with him.
On Monday, forward of the Genesis Invitational the place Woods will make his 2024 PGA debut as a taking part in match host, the 15-time main winner introduced a brand new “lively premium way of life model” known as “Solar Day Purple” along side golf gear firm TaylorMade.
“It is the appropriate time in my life,” Woods stated on the launch occasion. “It is transitional. I am now not a child anymore. Life adjustments, 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 discovered a lot over time and have a lifetime of expertise adjusting my attire and footwear to assist me play higher primarily based on the best way it was constructed,” Woods stated in a information launch. “There are issues that I might let you know 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 instructed him crimson was his energy shade. The emblem is a stretched-out tiger with 15 stripes — one for every main championship Woods has received in his profession.
“What occurs once we win one other main championship?” Woods requested with a smile. “We’ll should redo the trademark.”
On the occasion, TaylorMade Golf’s CEO David Abeles highlighted the truth that despite the fact that Solar Day Purple could also be a part of TaylorMade’s general firm, Woods’ model will probably be its personal enterprise unit with its personal headquarters, designers and staffing.
Brad Blankinship, who beforehand led surf attire corporations Quiksilver and RVCA, has been named the corporate’s president.
“This can be a full-blown unequivocal partnership,” Abeles stated. “There is not any affect from TaylorMade on this model. The model stands alone, it would have its personal id.”
Abeles stated Solar Day Purple will launch first with males’s golf attire, however its aim is to create way of life clothes that can prolong past the golf course and can ultimately embody girls’s and youngsters’ attire, too.
When requested by ESPN whether or not the brand new firm will even embody 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 outdoors Los Angeles in February 2021.
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“We absolutely anticipate having footwear in market by early subsequent yr, if not sooner,” Abeles instructed ESPN. “You might even see Tiger sporting it someday this spring or summer season.”
Woods has been taking part in with TaylorMade golf equipment since 2017, when he signed a sponsorship cope with the gear firm. On the time, the deal didn’t embody attire, which remained Nike-branded till Woods introduced earlier this yr that he can be beginning a brand new chapter.
Monday’s announcement continues a rising partnership between Woods and TaylorMade. Final yr, 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 the US and Canada on Might 1.
Woods, in the meantime, will start to put on Solar Day Purple attire this week at Riviera Nation Membership, which can host the PGA Tour’s second signature occasion of the season. Final yr, Woods performed all 4 rounds of the match. 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 stated on the Hero World Problem that his aim was to play in no less than one match each month through the main season.
