Tiger Woods to debut new Nike TW '17 shoe

A new duo strapping system gives golfers extra stability

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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.

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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."

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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.

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.

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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 Tadman
Technical Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here 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 find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.


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 3.2.


Joel's current What's In The Bag? 

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9° 

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15° 

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18° 

Irons: Ping i230 4-UW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind

Putter: Evnroll ER2V 

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x