Nike to Exit Golf Equipment Business, Tiger Woods to Search for New Clubs

Thursday, August 04, 2016

Joe Calabro, GoLocalWorcester Sports Team & Graphiq

Tiger Woods PHOTO: Chase McAlpine/flickr

Nike Golf is dropping its equipment business including clubs, balls and bags and according to a report for Golf Digest, Tiger Woods (and likely several others) will search for new clubs.

Tiger Woods signed with Nike upon turning pro in 1996. A few short years later, Nike started selling golf balls in 1999 and introduced their first set of clubs in 2002. Tiger played the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach with the new clubs and won the tournament by 15 strokes.

However, recently the brand has struggled, having reported its annual sales in its overall golf business to be $700 million over the last two years. Nike’s sales in 2013 and 2014 were almost $800 million.

Coincidentally, or maybe not, Nike’s announcement and decline in sales comes at a time where Tiger Woods has not competed in a tournament in almost two years and Rory McIlroy has not won a PGA Tour event this season.

GoLocal Teams with Graphiq to show a timeline of Tiger Woods Career.

Tiger Woods Timeline | PrettyFamous

Nike Not Leaving Golf Completely

While Nike will no longer sell clubs, balls or bags, they will still look to sell apparel like shirts and hats as well as step up their footwear sales.

“We’re committed to being the undisputed leader in golf footwear and apparel,” said Trevor Edwards, president of Nike Brand in a press release.

While Nike is in a sense exiting the game of golf, it will be interesting to watch the number of tour pros (Nike has about 16 of them) will be leaving Nike.

Here is a look at the Nike executives and Nike’s stock.

Nike Inc. Executives | FindTheCompany

Nike Inc. (NKE) Stock Price - 7 Days | FindTheCompany

Related Slideshow: The 10 Best Public Golf Courses in Worcester County

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#10

Course: Holden Hills Country Club

Where: 1800 Main Street, Jefferson

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Holden Hills is a 71-Par 18-hole golf course located just outside of Holden in the town of Jefferson. It opened in 1957 and although the course does not play long, it does demand straight and accurate tee shots at every tee.

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#9

Course: Blissful Meadows

Where: 801 Chocolog Rd, Uxbridge

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Blissful Meadows opened in 1991 and is run by the Bliss family. Both the clubhouse and the farmhouse next to it are listed in the National Register of Historic Buildings.

The course was designed by Golf World magazine's 2000 "Architect of the Year", Brian Silva, of the design firm Cornish & Silva.

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#8

Course: Green Hill Golf Course

Where: 1929 Skyline Drive, Worcester

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The original Green Hill Course opened in 1929. Now owned by the City of Worcester, the Course was redesigned in 2013.

A "hidden gem" in Worcester, Green Hill gives you great views and wide fairways, and takes you out of the city - without ever really leaving it.

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#7

Course: Juniper Hill

Where: 202 Brigham Road, Northborough

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The home of not one, but two 18-hole golf courses - Riverside and Lakeside - Juniper Hill has been around for 80 years.

Juniper Hill is great for all golfers and provides both a fun and challenging experience no matter what course you choose.

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#6

Course: Kettle Brook Golf Club

Where: 136 Marshall Street, Paxton

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Kettle Brook was opened in 1999. In 2008, it was sold to the Marrone family that owns Wachusett Country Club.

Known by all as a bit more challenging than Wachusett, Kettle Brook's design is one of the most unique in the area. Like Blissful Meadows, this course was also designed by Brian Silva.

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#5

Course: Cyprian Keyes

Where: 284 East Temple Street, Boylston

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It doesn't get much tighter than Cyprian Keyes. Built in 1997, from an estate that dates back to 1734, Cyprian Keyes features 27 holes overall, including a nine-hole par-3 course. There is also a golf school and fitting center on site.

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#4

Course: Blackstone National

Where: 227 Putnam Hill Road, Sutton

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An all-purpose course for beginners as well as the advanced golfer, Blackstone National was designed by Rees Jones. With plenty of leagues, junior programs and golf instruction, there’s something for every level of play

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#3

Course: Wachusett Country Club

Where: 187 Prospect Street, West Boylston

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Wachusett Country Club has been around for nearly 90 years and is a treasure in West Boylston. Like Kettle Brook, Wachusett is owned by the Marrone family.

A challenging course, Wachusett is a great to play any time of the year, but nothing beats playing there in the Fall surrounded by foliage and with a great view of Wachusett Mountain.

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#2

Course: Highfields Country Club

Where: 42 Magill Drive, Grafton

Rates

One of the newest courses in the area, Highfields opened in 2002 and is tucked away in Grafton. With 18 holes built specifically for golfers of all talent levels, a 30,000 square foot clubhouse and the beautiful views of rolling terrains and scenic views of the Blackstone Valley, Highfields is a spectacular addition to Worcester County's golf scene.