WORLDTEMPUS - 15 December 2009
William George Shuster
Swiss luxury watch brand Tag Heuer said Dec. 14 that in the next few weeks it will “assess” its relationship with world champion golfer Tiger Woods, 33, following his announcement to take an indefinite leave from golf. Woods has endorsed the brand's watches since 2002, and TAG Heuer has been a major sponsor of Woods.
The brand's professional golf watch, the first watch designed to meet golfers' special needs, was developed and worn by Woods, and is featured on the brand's website.
The Dec. 14 statement said, “We respect the privacy of Tiger Woods and his family. In light of recent news, including that Tiger Woods has decided to take an indefinite leave from golf, over the coming weeks we will assess our options with Tiger Woods and IMG [his management company] regarding our long-term relationship.”
TAG Heuer's statement, widely reported in U.S. press, came in the wake of growing media disclosures since late November of Woods' personal problems. Those include several alleged sexual affairs and the departure of his wife of five years from their home in the U.S. state of Florida. Woods admitted to "infidelity" in his marriage in a statement released Dec. 11 on his Web site and said he is taking “an indefinite break from professional golf." At least one intrernational consulting firm has dropped Woods, while Gillette, another major sponsor, said it will reduce its use of the champion golders in its marketing programs.
