The golf world lately has been abuzz with off-court ordeals. As the official schedule on the PGA Tour has ceased, golfers have been making news because of their off-season caboodles. In recent times, Tiger Woods has been making headlines as he faces a rumored deal fracture with billion-dollar giant Nike.
While the golfing legend navigates a deal break, his PGA Tour mate, now a new LIV Golf player, Jon Rahm, has been raking the headlines for his recent deflection. Amid ditching the PGA Tour, things look different for Rahm, who still has his 2.2 billion dollar ally pocketed.
Jon Rahm, the world no. 3, has officially joined the Saudi-backed LIV Golf. This decision has come after Rahm’s successful year wherein the golfer bagged four wins, including the Masters, and contributed to Europe’s Ryder Cup victory. His departure from the PGA Tour has raised questions about the impact on his future Ryder Cup status, as many European LIV players have forfeited their DP World Tour membership.
Amid the move, questions about Rahm’s sponsor, Callaway, have also surfaced, whether the deal with the billion-dollar equipment play will still be on or not. In a recent interview after signing the LIV deal, Rahm clarified that discussions about partnerships and sponsorships have been ongoing within a limited circle for an extended period.
“I can say that I’ve been informed by Callaway that they want to continue [our] partnership. So I’m looking forward to that and I’m eternally grateful that they want to still have their faith in me throughout this change,” the golfer remarked.
The deal with Callaway seems to still be on the table for Rahm, but the picture looks different for Woods whose partnership with decades-long partner is speculated to come to an end with the PNC championship.
The nearly three-decade-long partnership, which started in 1996 when the 20-year-old Tiger Woods was signed by the sports giant for $40 million, appears to be coming to an end, as the rumors surrounding Woods and Nike’s break-up take over the golfing world.
The golfer has recently been seen on the greens without adorning any merch from the brand. Woods, who has been the face of Nike for a long time, may be seen without the Nike swoosh on his apparel in the future, according to the “No Laying Up” golf podcast. Since Nike halted golf club manufacturing in 2016, Woods has been using clubs from TaylorMade, raising speculation about a possible brand shift. The gossip from the golf world speculates that Woods will likely address these rumors during the PNC Championship tournament next week.