Tiger Woods is still not sporting the Swoosh on his shoes.
As he practices for the looming PGA Championship at Southern Hills in Tulsa, Okla., Woods is sporting FootJoy shoes, just as he did at The Masters.
Woods is still recovering from a debilitating single-car accident in which he suffered multiple injuries to his right leg last February, and he feels that the FootJoy shoes give him better support on the course for what is hopefully four rounds in the year’s second major.
“I have very limited mobility now,” Woods said at the Masters in April. “Just with the rods and plates and screws that are in my leg, I needed something different, something that allowed me to be more stable. That’s what I’ve gone to.”
Nike also acknowledged Woods’ footwear decision in a statement during the Masters.
“Like golf fans around the world, we are delighted to see Tiger back on the course. He is an incredible athlete, and it is phenomenal to see him returning to the game at this level,” the company said. “His story continues to transcend sport and inspire us all. As he continues his return, we will work with him to meet his new needs.”
Woods is currently listed on FanDuel at 75-1 to win the PGA Championship, which means he is a serious longshot.
Nonetheless, Woods told reporters earlier this week that he feels much better than he did at The Masters.
“I’ve gotten a lot stronger since the Masters,’’ Woods said. “We went back to work on Tuesday [after the Masters]. Monday was awful. I did nothing and Tuesday was leg day. So, we went right back after it.
“We started ramping up a week or so ago, played a little bit more golf, and it was good. Everything is better.’’
He said that things will only improve from here.
“It’s only going to keep getting stronger,’’ Woods said of his leg, ankle and foot. “The more I use it, the more strength it gains. Am I ever going to have full mobility? No. Never again. But I’ll be able to get stronger. It’s going to keep getting better. It’s going to keep getting stronger. It’s going to ache, but that’s the way it’s going to be.”
