Saturday, May 20, 2000
Tiger agent says Titleist relationship
'strong'
By DOUG FERGUSON
AP Golf Writer
Just because Tiger Woods likes the Nike
Golf ball and is trying it out this week on the European tour
doesn't mean he plans to switch - nor will it affect his relationship
with Titleist, his agent said Friday night from Germany.
Woods is using a Nike Tour Accuracy in the
Deutsche Bank Open, where he was four strokes out of the lead
after two rounds. It's the first time in 98 tournaments as a pro
- and first time since he was 13 - that he has not used a Titleist
in tournament play.
He is under contract with Titleist to play
its clubs and balls, but the deal was renegotiated last year after
Titleist complained that Nike was using Woods to promote its ball.
"The purpose was to clean up any problems
that might have existed, and address any future issues that could
come up, and address those contractually," said Mark Steinberg
of IMG. "Because Titleist has always been about doing what's
best for Tiger, and always looking out for his best interests."
Titleist officials have said they would
have no comment.
Woods also is reworking his contract with
Nike, which is expected to at least double the five-year, $40
million package that expires next year. He wears Nike clothes,
shoes and the logo on a hat, the most visible billboard in golf.
But money has never been an issue for Woods,
his father said from California.
"He's his own boss," Earl Woods
said. "He'll do what's right and what's best for him. But
he'll be responsible for the people who have helped him. Tiger
is very loyal to Titleist, because Titleist was there all along."
Woods said he has been testing the Nike
ball for a couple of months while practicing at home in Florida
and said he would switch only if "it's viable."
Steinberg said Woods called Titleist chief
Wally Uihlein on Monday to tell him he was going to test the Nike
ball this week.
"He's curious," Steinberg said.
"He's under contract with Nike for other products, and he
was testing their product out. The only way to test it is in a
tournament. That doesn't mean he's switching. The relationship
with Titleist will remain strong."
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