The 10 Best Tiger Ads
The marriage formed between Tiger Woods and Nike, Inc. in the summer of 1996 was fruitful for everyone involved. The advertising blitz that followed in the coming years, was even sweeter. It proved to be a portrait into the life of a charismatic wunderkind, turned tour de force, turned dehumanized villain, turned reclamation project.
History can define Woods any way it wants to, but it will never deny him a place in the “Pantheon of Golf Influence.” From the inaugural “I Am Tiger Woods” ad until today–when you can rarely find a Woods spot–it has been an intriguing journey. Here are my top ten favorite Tiger Woods commercials of all-time.
10. “Nike Accuracy”
I highly doubt that any trick photography was involved with the filming of this commercial, which makes it even more impressive. Tiger’s just doing what he does best–making golf look easy.
9. “Golf’s Not Hard”
Tiger is still at a ripe age here, showing some inexperience in front of the camera. However, his charisma is already on display as he leads us through a humorous teaching point.
8. “Frank: Sand In Funny Places”
The “Frank” spots were engineered to perfection by Nike, casting Academy Award-winning actor Paul Giamatti to play Tiger’s cranky head cover. The banter was also brilliant, and this was one of a series of good ads.
7. “Slow Motion Swing”
Just when you thought Tiger was running out of potential ideas for commercials around 2006-2007, Nike pulls out this gem. It’s simple, yet poetic. Woods’ swing is (was) a model of consistency, so why not super-slow it down for the world to enjoy.
6. “Mental Toughness”
Earl Woods was a mainstay in Tiger’s ads, even being used as a voice over posthumously in 2010. Here he explains one of the reason’s Tiger has become so unflinchingly tough during his reign. The homemade videos also paint a picture of Tiger’s childhood.
5. “I Am Tiger Woods”
This very influential commercial was spawned early in Tiger’s career. It encapsulates the impending youth and ethnic movement into the game of golf. Tiger inspired thousands to play a game that was familiar to the upper echelon. Not anymore.
4. “Frank at the Diner”
Probably the best “Frank” spot ever crafted. Think about how many people started to incorporate “dink” into their vernacular on the golf course after this. Think about how people don’t use it now.
3. “Father’s Day With Earl”
The classic shots of father, son, and a game evolving are displayed here. The Zombies “This Will Be Our Year” is the perfect backdrop to a nostalgic commercial.
2. “Ball Trick 1”
Probably the most mainstream Tiger Woods commercial for the first half of his career. It’s disappointing that Facebook and Twitter predated a very simple concept: Tiger bouncing golf balls on his wedge. The web would have been exploding to see this spot. While it’s relatively forgotten, there’s no doubt it’s impact on the game.
1. “Young Tiger Wins British”
No way anyone could win a British Open at the age of three. OK. Fair enough. But, nobody could hold all four major championships at once either, right? Tiger revolutionized the game, transcended the sport and continues to WOW us today. The soundtrack by Rod Stewart’s “The Faces” only adds to the commercial’s allure.
–Anthony Stipa
GoFer Eats 