Wed, Nov 26, 2008 page19

• General Motors end multimillion deal with Tiger Woods

  • THE GUARDIAN
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  The credit crunch and accompanying global recession claimed its most famous sporting victim last night when General Motors (GM), the troubled US carmaker, announced that it was ending its sponsorship deal with the golfing superstar, Tiger Woods.

  The deal between GM and Woods, said to be worth more than US$10 million a year to the golfer, had endured for almost a decade and become one of the most visible sponsorship arrangements in sport, not least because Woods’ golf bag had been transformed into an advertisement for Buick, one of the carmaker’s brands.

  As part of the deal, the world No. 1 also took part in television commercials for the budget-priced range of cars — a source of mirth in some circles because Woods is reported to drive a Porsche.

  Ironically, during the nine years he has been promoting Buick its sale have reportedly fallen by 58 percent — more than any other GM brand.

  BANKRUPTCY

  Senior managers from GM travelled to Washington last week to ask Congress for a US$25 billion loan in order to stave off the possibility of bankruptcy, although a spokesman for the company said the decision to sever its links with Woods at this time was “purely coincidental.”

  He said: “This decision is the result of discussions that started earlier in the year and the timing of this agreement with these other activities is purely coincidental.”

  Last week, Buick announced it was also ending its arrangement to provide courtesy cars for players and officials at PGA Tour events in the US.

  GM is so concerned about costs that it cut advertising during next year’s Super Bowl, although it still plans to sponsor the NFL and likely air ads before and after the game.

  GM also has pulled out of the Oscars and Emmy Awards next year — the first time in more than a decade that it is not running ads right before, during or after the two events.

  KNEE SURGERY

  Woods, who is recuperating from knee surgery and is not expected to return to competitive play until next spring, released a statement saying he was proud of his association with the company.

  “I have enjoyed being a part of the company’s dramatic product evolution. We’ve had a lot of fun together and I participated in some unique and rewarding activities. We’ve enjoyed a tremendous partnership over the years and we will maintain strong ties,” he said.

  Last year Woods also suffered the indignity of losing a sponsorship deal with American Express and yesterday’s announcement will have been a severe blow to his pride.

  It will not, however, cause much consternation for his bank manager. According to Golf Digest magazine, Woods earned more than US$120 million in sponsorship deals last year, and he is a constant presence at the top of “world’s richest athlete” lists.
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