It's one of the most visible equipment changes in modern golf: the shoes on Tiger Woods' feet. After a partnership with Nike that spanned nearly three decades, seeing him walk the fairways in a different brand felt seismic. Today, Tiger Woods wears the FootJoy Premiere Series Packard, a choice driven by function, feel, and the unique needs of his body after his 2021 accident. This article will break down exactly why he made the switch, the details of his current shoes, and most importantly, what you can learn from his choice to help your own game.
Since his return to professional golf at the 2022 Masters, Tiger has exclusively trusted the FootJoy Premiere Series Packard to carry him through tournaments. This move was not a simple sponsor switch, it was a carefully considered decision based on what his body needed to perform at the highest level again. In his own words, he needed a shoe that was more “stable” to support his surgically repaired leg.
From a golf coach's perspective, this makes perfect sense. Your feet are your only connection to the ground. Every ounce of power, balance, and control in the golf swing starts from the ground up. If that connection isn't rock-solid, the rest of your swing can easily fall apart. After his significant injuries, Tiger's need for an unshakeable platform became his number one priority.
At first glance, the Packard looks like a throwback - a classic, leather-wrapped shoe with a timeless design. But beneath that traditional exterior lies modern performance technology specifically geared toward what tour-level players (and Tiger in particular) need most.
For 27 years, Tiger Woods and the Nike swoosh were one of the most powerful pairings in sports history. His signature "TW" shoe line broke barriers, shifting the perception of golf footwear from stodgy dress shoes to high-performance athletic gear. These shoes were often years ahead of their time, introducing Free-inspired technology that mimicked the natural motion of the foot, innovative spike designs, and materials that were more common in running or basketball sneakers.
So why did the partnership end? Ultimately, Tiger’s needs changed. After the accident, a shoe designed for 'natural motion' and flexibility was no longer the optimal choice for a leg that required maximum external support and structured stabilization. He needed something firmer and less flexible to compensate for the hardware in his leg and ankle.
The switch to the more rigid and traditionally structured FootJoy Packard was a practical choice. It highlights a vital lesson: your equipment must serve your unique swing and physical profile. Even for the greatest of all time, brand loyalty takes a backseat to performance and health.
You may not have the swing speed of Tiger Woods, but the principles behind his footwear choice are universal. Choosing the right golf shoe isn't about buying what the pros wear, it's about understanding why they wear it and applying that logic to your own game. Here’s a breakdown from a coaching point of view.
Tiger’s current setup is entirely a result of what his specific, surgically-repaired body needs. The key takeaway for you is personal fit. Many golfers buy a shoe because of its brand, style, or a pro's endorsement, only to find it’s uncomfortable or unstable for them. Always try on shoes before buying. Walk around the store. Re-create your golf stance and feel where the pressure points are. Your foot size can change over time, so get measured and ignore the number on the box until you feel a secure, comfortable fit with no pinching or heel slippage.
A golf shoe's primary job is to provide a stable foundation. Tiger's incredibly powerful and aggressive swing requires maximum stability, which is why he landed on the structured Packard. Think about your own swing.
Your shoe choice must match the forces you create. An unstable base will force compensations in your swing, robbing you of consistency and power.
Tiger plays almost exclusively in soft-spiked shoes for a simple reason: they offer the best possible traction in all conditions. For amatuers, the choice is more nuanced.
Many golfers find it beneficial to own a pair of each, choosing their footwear based on the forecast and course conditions for the day.
More than anything, Tiger’s switch shows that shoes are a piece of wellness equipment. His decision was made to reduce strain and prevent further injury. You should think the same way. If you have a chronically sore back, knees, or feet, don't ignore it. Look for shoes that offer superior cushioning and arch support. Choosing a shoe that absorbs more of the impact of walking 4-5 miles can make a huge difference in how you feel not just after the round, but the next morning, too. Playing better golf starts with feeling good.
Tiger Woods now wears the FootJoy Premiere Series Packard, a choice born from the necessity for uncompromising stability and support. His move away from the athletic Nike styles he helped popularize underscores a fundamental truth for all players: your gear should be tailored to your body and your swing, allowing you to play with comfort, confidence, and control.
Making smart decisions about equipment is a huge part of improving, just like knowing the right way to approach a shot on the course. If you ever feel stuck on the course - wondering which club to hit from the trees or how to strategize on a difficult hole - our Caddie AI is there to help. You can get instant, expert-level advice on shot selection and course management, which helps remove uncertainty so you can commit to every swing with confidence.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.
The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.
