Influenza Overshadowed Tiger Woods' Debut of Sun Day Red

Pat Benson
·2 min read
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A few days into 2024, Tiger Woods made headlines for parting ways with Nike. One of the most profitable business relationships in sports history ended after 27 years.

The split between Woods and Nike felt like a slow-moving breakup visible from miles away. What was not expected was the quick rebound relationship with TaylorMade.

Roughly a month after Woods' contract with Nike expired, the golf legend was on stage introducing a new standalone brand dubbed "Sun Day Red." After an exclusive event was held in Los Angeles on Monday, all eyes were on Woods at The Genesis Invitational.

Unfortunately, the big moment was cut short. Six holes into the second round, Woods was carted off with his head in his hands. On Saturday, Woods confirmed in a statement on social media that his withdrawal was due to a case of influenza.

While Woods' participation in The Genesis Invitational did provide fans with the first look at Sun Day Red apparel and footwear, it was far from the rollout the new brand had envisioned.

Luckily, there are more opportunities for Woods to show off his new sportswear brand—namely, The Masters Tournament, which tees off on April 8. Arguably, the most popular major will serve as a platform for Woods' new brand just a few weeks before its official launch.

Sun Day Red will launch its first line of apparel for men on May 1. It will be made available online in the United States and Canada. Over time, Sun Day Red will expand its availability in key markets outside of North America, at retail, and broaden its product offering to include footwear, women's and kids’ lines.

Sun Day Red is a completely standalone brand with a dedicated team of designers and staff, as well as its own headquarters. Woods and TaylorMade first joined forces in 2017 with a multi-year equipment endorsement agreement. Woods collaborated with TaylorMade's industry-leading engineering team to develop the acclaimed P·7TW irons before claiming a fifth green jacket in 2019.

Golf fans everywhere cannot wait for Woods' return to action and to see what else Sun Day Red has in store for the sportswear industry. Stay locked into Men's Journal Sneakers for all your footwear news.

Related: FootJoy Unveils Next Evolution of Its Popular Golf Shoe Line