Tiger Woods, the legendary golfer, is set to kick off the year with a new look as he prepares to make his 2024 debut at the Genesis Invitational at Riviera. However, while his attire may change, Woods' signature red color will likely remain. After parting ways with Nike, his long-time apparel sponsor, Woods has left fans curious about what brand he will be wearing going forward.
Woods, who ended his 27-year association with Nike last year, donned their iconic swoosh for the last time at the PNC Championship, where he played alongside his son, Charlie. During the event, Charlie sported clothing from a different apparel company, signifying the end of an era. Now, as Woods gears up for the Genesis Invitational, he has scheduled a press conference to reveal his new clothing partnership for the limited tournaments he will be playing.
Speculation has been rife, with all signs pointing towards TaylorMade. Woods is already playing their golf clubs, and TaylorMade Lifestyle Ventures recently filed trademark applications for 'Sunday Red' or 'SDR.' This has fueled anticipation among fans, who are eagerly awaiting the announcement at Riviera.
Woods' agent, Mark Steinberg, from Excel Sports Management, has teased an 'exciting announcement' in the works. Woods himself has been dropping hints on social media, adding to the buzz surrounding his new look. Last week, he posted a close-up picture of his face with the caption, 'The vision remains the same.' This was followed by a darkened image of Woods wearing a red shirt, accompanied by the words, 'A new day rises.'
Woods' red Sunday outfit has been a hallmark of his career, inspired by his mother, Kultida, who believed red to be his power color. Each season, she gifts him a new Tiger headcover with Thai words that express her love. The choice of apparel on Sundays holds special significance for Woods, who has had numerous memorable moments sporting the iconic red ensemble.
In addition to his new apparel, Woods' primary focus will be regaining his form and ensuring he makes it to Sunday's final round. After undergoing ankle surgery following the Masters, Woods had not competed in almost eight months. While he made the cut at last year's Masters, his injuries forced him to withdraw before completing the third round.
However, Woods showed resilience and determination by returning to play in the 2022 Masters. Despite concerns that the car crash he endured after the 2021 Genesis Invitational might have ended his career, he made it to Sunday at Augusta National and has never missed the cut there as a professional.
Looking ahead to this year, Woods had his right ankle fused after the 2022 Masters and expressed optimism about his prospects in 2024. He has set a goal of playing in one tournament per month during the major season, starting with the Genesis Invitational at Riviera.
The Genesis Invitational carries a significant purse of $20 million, with the winner taking home $4 million. As a player-hosted signature event, it also features a 36-hole cut to the top 50 players and ties, as well as any player within 10 shots of the lead.
Undoubtedly, Woods' new look will attract attention and generate discussion among fans and golf enthusiasts alike. As he steps onto the course at Riviera this week, all eyes will be on his attire, eager to see the next chapter unfold in the remarkable journey of one of the sport's greatest icons.
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