Tiger Woods to debut new Nike TW '17 shoe
A new duo strapping system gives golfers extra stability
Tiger Woods will be sporting the new Nike TW '17 shoe this week at the Hero World Challenge, which features a unique duo strapping system for extra stability
When Tiger Woods returns to action this week at the Hero World Challenge, his first tournament play since August 2015, he’ll be sporting a prototype of his latest signature golf shoe, the Nike TW '17.
Since Nike announced it was to stop producing golf clubs and balls, Woods has been experimenting with different clubs and looks set to use TaylorMade woods this week as well as new Nike footwear.
Since July 2015, Woods and Tobie Hatfield, Nike Senior Director of Athlete Innovation, reimagined the 14-time major champion’s signature footwear. The team utilised the additional time they had with Woods to start at the very beginning and address his needs as his rehab progressed.
Related: Tiger Woods - What's in the bag?
“This shoe is an absolutely integral part of my return to the sport I love and have missed so much,” Woods says. “Nike really got in the zone with me. I knew Tobie and I were on to something special back when I tried on the first prototype. I feel supreme support from this shoe which leads to the utmost confidence when I step onto the course."
It started in July 2015 at Sulphar Springs, West Virginia, when Woods and Hatfield met over dinner during the Greenbrier Classic. They agreed on positioning for the Nike athlete’s next generation of footwear — they didn’t want to simply update the existing TW '15 shoe. During the discussion, Woods reveals his new swing has shifted his dominance from his left leg to his right.
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Then in October that year, Hatfield delivered four options of an initial prototype shoe to Woods at his home in Florida. The prototypes all address the need of keeping his feet more secure and locked down in his shoe. Woods selected one of the concepts to move forward with.
In February 2016, Hatfield and Carl Madore, Innovation Design Lead for Nike Golf footwear, shared four varied options of the prototype for Woods to assess. Woods hit shots on a simulator and was intrigued by the duo’s strapping system concept — designed to help keep him secure through his swing and a full day of golf.
Finally, in April 2016, Nike delivered a polished product to Woods, who began his own wear testing on the course. Since returning from surgery, it’s the only golf shoe Woods has worn.
The Nike TW '17 will be available in Spring 2017 with an RRP of £150.
Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 14 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all equipment and video content at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader or viewer find exactly what they are looking for.
One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 2.8.
Joel's current What's In The Bag?
Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9°, Fujikura Ventus Black 6 S shaft.
Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15°
Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18°
Irons: Titleist T150, 4-PW
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM10, 50°, 54° and 58°
Putter: LAB Golf DF3
Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x
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