"With a radiant smile and a future that seems even
brighter," Tiger Woods officially announced his intention to turn
pro, according to Brad Parks of the WASHINGTON POST. Woods began
his press conference with a "deep breath," saying, "Hello world."
The decision was a "lucrative one," and although Woods said he
had not signed any contracts, both he and Hughes Norton from
IMG, the firm reportedly representing Woods, confirmed the golfer
agreed in principal to deals with Nike and American Brands'
Titleist division and "is also talking with club manufacturers"
(WASHINGTON POST, 8/29). NBC's Tom Brokaw estimated Woods' first
year earnings on the PGA Tour to hit $7M, including endorsements.
Brokaw: "Not bad for a young man who is dropping out of Stanford
just to play golf" (NBC, 8/28). ESPN's Jimmy Roberts:
"Instantly, with this announcement here on Wednesday, Tiger Woods
is one of the biggest names in professional golf"
("SportsCenter," ESPN, 8/28).
SCRIPTED ALREADY? The Nike deal being reported is for $40M
over five-years, with the Titleist deal at $1M per for three
years. ESPN's Roberts noted, "Sources tell ESPN, that the Nike
number especially is 'wildly inflated.' Still, the decision to
turn pro, apparently made four weeks ago, has made him a very
rich man" ("SportsCenter," ESPN, 8/28). Nike runs a three page
ad in today's Wall Street Journal heralding Woods' decision. It
opens with "Hello World," and is followed by a script on page
three that concludes, "There are still courses in the United
States that I am not allowed to play because of the color of my
skin. I've heard I'm not ready for you. Are you ready for me?"
(WALL STREET JOURNAL, 8/29). The "impetus for this text came as
much from Woods" as from Nike, according to Nike's Merle Mating,
who said the ad is not meant to be confrontational. "Hello,
World" is the title of a series of TV ads that will be on all
three networks, including ABC's "Monday Night Football," Fox and
ESPN. Nike's U.S. Dir of Sports Marketing Ralph Greene: "We're
anxious to work with Tiger as an ambassador of change for the
game of golf" (Karen Allen, USA TODAY, 8/29). At yesterday's
Greater Milwaukee Pro-Am, Woods wore a green Nike shirt, black
Nike cap and black Nike golf shoes. He also had a new Titleist
golf bag with his name in big letters on the side (Barker Davis,
WASHINGTON TIMES, 8/29). In New York, Larry Dorman notes Woods'
"Hello, World" greeting "seemed almost sweet, a sort of
spontaneous, unaffected way to begin." After learning it would
be a themed campaign, Dorman adds, "So much for naivete. This is
pro ball now, the real world, and welcome to it" (N.Y. TIMES,
8/29). In San Francisco, Pat Sullivan on the greeting: "A nice
touch? A way with words? On the surface, sure. But, in fact,
part of a calculated advertising campaign" (S.F. CHRONICLE,
8/29).
ROLE-PLAYING: Woods, on being a role model: "I've always
felt I was very blessed to have the opportunity to become a role
model" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 8/29). Wally Uihlein, President of
Titleist: "When you're looking at athletes who transcend the
industry, there are a paucity of them. He transcends golf" (N.Y.
TIMES, 8/29). In Washington, Michael Wilbon: "The Bear and The
Shark will just have to step aside" (WASHINGTON POST, 8/29). In
Houston, Ed Fowler: "Woods is ready to boom some drives into the
sports endorsement marketplace, and he's not even going to yell,
'Fore'"! (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 8/29).
HEY, JEALOUSY: Kemper Open Champ Steve Stricker senses some
bitterness between some players toward Woods. Stricker: "No
doubt about it, especially ... with the type of money he's
making. ... The No. 1 player in the world doesn't get that kind
of money" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 8/29). Woods: "I'm still broke. A
lot of people can attest to that" (ST. PETE TIMES, 8/29)....ABC
Sports Exec Producer Jack Graham said if Woods is in the top
three on Sunday at the GMO it would be worth "at least a rating
point" (N.Y. TIMES, 8/29)....In Boston, Joe Burris adds
speculation Woods would be part of the annual Skins game,
"usually bestowed upon the marquee names" (BOSTON GLOBE, 8/29).
ABC Sports covers this year's Skins Game and spokesperson Mark
Mandel told THE DAILY that any speculation on participants is
"premature." Event officials said an announcement on the
remaining three positions for the event -- Fred Couples is
defending champ -- is scheduled for September 4 (THE DAILY).
