Nike Makes Bad Call on Tiger Commercial
Posted in Golf News
Yes, Nike’s foible spurred me to write before Tiger’s did. I’m more forgiving of human flaws and mistakes than corporations trying to make a buck off them. Of course this wouldn’t have been possible without Tiger’s reprehensible behavior, and if he had anything to do with this ad other than that, I blame him for it as well. Either way, I’m in no way expressing sympathy for Tiger because of this ad.
I’ve been quiet on everything lately. Even the Tiger “scandal” couldn’t draw me out to discuss my thoughts, of which I have plenty, I assure you. Then, just as I’m getting ready to share my thoughts on that as well as the Masters and everything else, out pops Nike’s controversial Tiger advertisement that seems to depict Earl Woods, Tiger’s deceased father, asking his son questions about Tiger’s intentions and moral character
that, of course, Tiger never answers because they were completely out of context. Distasteful? Opportunistic? I think so. And if Tiger actually posed for this current ad wearing his Nike garb rather than Nike taking it upon themselves to use past images, that’s disgusting as well. (Not that Tiger doesn’t have disgusting in him.) Throughout Tiger’s troubles, Nike was one sponsor that stuck by him. Now Nike is trying to rebuild their Tiger-related image after all they already have, and plan to continue to, invest in him – I get that.
The Honest Review I Hate to Give
Truth be told, I’m actually a pretty big fan of Nike Golf products. For a long time I have enjoyed their golf balls. Plus, awhile back, they were kind enough to send me their VR STR8-FIT Tour Driver to review it against the TaylorMade competitor and simply asked for an honest review. It was still on my list of things to do because not only do I owe them some feedback (which would have been positive for them) but I felt compelled to give them any mention at all in this blog for the beneficial impact it had on my game. Here you go, Nike: you replaced TaylorMade in my bag in the driver section. Club vs. club, you win. The review would have been much longer and much more glowing had you not blown it with this Tiger thing (or had I done it sooner – but then I surely would have referenced back on it in this post). Here’s your bone – if I had a better driver, I’d gladly use. Sadly, I’m wont for better gear even though it pains me to say so. I truly wish I didn’t like it as much as I did. My TaylorMade driver practically screams to me to get back in my bag and the way I’m playing I’m tempted to listen especially since my game and swing suck so much lately it really doesn’t matter what club(s) I use.
Now What?
Now that Nike put such a sour taste in my mouth with this Tiger thing, I really wish everyone would stop buying Nike products, no matter how much you like them. At least until they do something to redeem themselves after “THE TIGER AD.” Strong stance, I know, especially from someone who has been dormant for so long and benefited from Nike’s generosity. Tell you what: if I don’t see some redemptive ad in the next few days (they’re bound to have follow-ups during the Masters this week and I’ll let you know how I feel), my old driver is going back in my bag.
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Jim Dauer | May 15, 2010 | Reply
Let’s at least give Nike’s ad reps credit for passing on their first idea, which was to have Earl saying, “Come on, everyone. Cut the Messiah a little slack.”
Jim Dauer
Co-Founder, FullForesome.com
Nick @ golf mental game | May 15, 2010 | Reply
It’s quite sad that they’re looking for dirt on Phil and Amy Mickelson. The tabloids have needed a dirty golf story to sensationalize a game gone stale due to Tiger’s lack of play. Hope they move on soon and realize just how good the best players in the world are.
GolfGirl | May 15, 2010 | Reply
It’s funny. I had a very different take on it. While most saw the commercialism and many found it creepy, I did not. I really liked it… then again I’ve been a bit of a contrarian voice on the Tiger drama since the beginning.
And, I’ve got to admit that hasn’t been fun.
I’m getting the impression that those in the golf media who became intoxicated with tabloid scale traffic and rehashed Tiger’s every move again and again for four months have finally accepted that it’s done. People are Tiger-weary.
The sad thing is that no sooner did they accept that the Tiger story had run its course, they’re digging for dirt on Phil and Amy Mickelson.
Unfortunately, It looks to me like it’s going to be pretty damn hard to put this genie back in the bottle. >:(
James Long Hale | May 15, 2010 | Reply
Poor Tiger. All he has left is Golf, and his performance in the Masters thus far (Sunday, two holes in) is pathetic. What’s on his mind? Results of the blood tests? Who knows . . .
Time for Golf Rehab, maybe.
Tom Collins | May 15, 2010 | Reply
Hey great to see you writing again.
And thanks for letting me know about the new commercial…I guess I’ve been traveling so much recently I didn’t get a chance to watch it until now.
The reason why this commercial made me so frustrated…is that for the longest time now, and soon after we all discovered what Tiger had really been up to…everyone has argued that what Tiger did in his personal life is HIS business. And I agree…I really don’t care to know. But for a company to use that as a springboard for his return to golf? That’s combining golf and his personal life, two things all of us try to keep separated. I suppose Tiger HAD to do this commercial for Nike, as they stuck by him, but I agree with you…I hope they have another commercial soon to make up for this one.
Personally, I think they should do a commercial where “they” are all sitting around a table trying to figure out when to air a brand new, never before seen, totally off the cuff interview (I’m laying on the sarcasm here) with Woods, and they all decide that Sunday afternoons, say around 4, would provide them with the best coverage.