Nike is getting out of the golf equipment business, a surprising development that likely sends Tiger Woods and other players searching for new clubs.
Nike announced Wednesday it will stop making clubs, golf balls and golf bags, instead focusing more on its shoes and apparel, long its strength in the golf marketplace.
“We’re committed to being the undisputed leader in golf footwear and apparel,” Nike Brand President Trevor Edwards said in a statement. “We will achieve this by investing in performance innovation for athletes and delivering sustainable profitable growth for Nike Golf.”
Woods has been with Nike since he turned pro in 1996 and remains the biggest ambassador of the Beaverton, Oregon-based company. Mark Steinberg, his agent at Excel Sports Management, said that won’t change. But he also said Woods likely will have different equipment in the bag whenever he returns.
Nike also signed Rory McIlroy to a big deal in 2013. It also has Brooks Koepka, who is in position to make his first Ryder Cup team.