PART II
The divorce between General Motors and Tiger Woods raises many questions. One might wonder what the future of golf and PGA tour endorsements offer.
- How will this affect the Buick Open, Buick Invitational and other GM sponsored events?
- How will the a poor economy affect the PGA Tour over the next several years?
- Is the Buick endorsement the first of many cutbacks for players on tour?
- Whats next for the auto industry?
- More importantly, who will pony up and endorse Tigers staff bag?
Most including myself are uncertain the answer to these questions. However, I do know its going to make for an interesting 2009 season on the PGA Tour.
Equipment Manufacturers & Tour Endorsements
Rumors in the golf industry have been floating around about many major equipment manufacturers possibly cutting their endorsement deals with various tour players. With consumer spending and sales down, there be a reduction the number of endorsements and spending. Although this is unlikely to effect the big names players, those low on the money list and who play on mini-tours will likely feel the effect immediately. The downturn in the economy is widely responsible. Some manufacturers have reported sales down double digits for 2008. Today, nobody is immune to the economic downturn. Now is where manufactureres in all industries are attempting to cut out the fat. Even the big four will soon begin to cut and reduce endorsements. At that point, a trend will be created and followed by many in golf and similar industries.
What about Tigers bag? Some expect to see an American automakers logo on his staff bag. We will find out when he feels ready to make his return. With 2009 likely out for Mr. Woods, there is plenty of time. Dozens of fortune 500 companies are drooling at the opportunity to cook up an endorsement deal. Don’t rule out, foreign automotive companies. One of which could potentially be the Buick replacement. However, any one of his current endorsements could make a push for his staff bag such as:
- E.A. Sports
- Nike
- Tag Heuer
Although it is unlikely a superstar of his caliber not sell the rights to their staff bag, it wouldn’t be a complete surprise to see Tiger go with the all Black Nike staff bag. Lets face it, Tiger wants to be wanted, what superstar doesn’t. Even in a down economy a Tiger endorsement could be the equivalent to striking gold for another company.
The $6 Million Dollar Man
In his career, Tiger Woods was said to earn over $6 Million in endorsements alone. This more than:
- Wheaties – 10th best selling box overall
- Asahi Coffee – yeah that’s right, just google it
- Golf Digest
- Tag Heuer
- American Express
- Appearence Fees
- The First Tee
- Upper Deck
- Nike Golf
- Net Jets – Aviation Company
- Accenture
- Gillette
- Gatorade
- Tiger Woods Designs – Not an endorsement, just another branch of the Tiger Woods Empire.
Posted by Chris Burns 
