PORTLAND, Ore., July 29 (UPI) -- In the wake of a decision by Tiger Woods, Nike wasted little time in trying to defuse a budding controversy.
For the made-for-TV Battle of the Bridges event Monday night, Woods decided to use his old driver, which was manufactured by Titleist. He has been struggling with the one made by Nike.
"I want to go back to something I played well with," Woods said.
Nike reacted quickly after a large number of calls overnight.
"True to our word, Tiger Woods can play any piece of equipment he chooses," the company said in a statement obtained by United Press International through spokesman Dean Stoyer. "Nike Golf has presented Tiger with options that take advantage of the latest in technology, but Tiger prefers a smaller, slower set-up to the larger, faster heads. This shift does not affect our relationship in any way; in fact, we will begin testing new designs with Tiger at the earliest convenient date."
Woods currently is 24th on the PGA Tour driving distance list, down from sixth in 2002, tied for third in 2001, and second in 2000.
He retains his apparel contract with the company.
