Tiger Woods has announced that he will be using TaylorMade clubs after “several months” of testing.
Woods, like Rory McIlroy, was forced to switch equipment following Nike’s decision to cease manufacturing clubs and balls to focus on their apparel business, and the 14-time major champion has now opted to join TaylorMade.
There were strong rumours that Woods had bought a majority stake in TaylorMade, who were put up for sale by owners Adidas two years ago, but the reports have proven unfounded.
Woods took to Twitter to make the announcement, which read: “After several months of testing and all brands to choose from, the choice is clearly @TaylorMadeGolf. Proud to join the family! -TW”
But the former world No 1 will stick with his old irons at this week’s Farmers Insurance Open, his first full PGA Tour event since the Wyndham Championship in August 2015, while he works with TaylorMade on developing a new iron range.
He will play the opening two rounds with new TaylorMade stable-mates Dustin Johnson and Jason Day, who recently signed a lucrative clothing endorsement deal with Nike.
Woods returned to competitive golf last month following a lengthy rehabilitation from back surgery, finishing 15th of 17 players at his own Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.
The 41-year-old used TaylorMade woods at Albany, and he has now added their irons and wedges to his bag ahead of his eagerly-awaited return to action in California.
TaylorMade-Adidas president and CEO David Abeles said: “We are thrilled that Tiger has chosen to play TaylorMade. His impact on the game of golf is undeniable and we are honoured to have him part of our team.”
Woods has already committed to using Bridgestone balls while he will stick with the Scotty Cameron putter that earned him the majority of his major successes.
