Nike Golf

That larger company - Nike, Inc. - traces it origins to 1964, and became known as Nike in 1978. In 1986, Nike began making golf shoes. But despite that fact that Nike had endorsement deals with some pro golfers (Curtis Strange and Peter Jacobsen chiefly) to wear its shoes, the Nike golf shoes of that era were not well-regarded by consumers and didn't sell well.

And the company's investors did not react well to the Woods signing: Nike stock fell by 5-percent in the immediate aftermath of the announcement (which took place at the Greater Milwaukee Open).

In 2001, Nike Golf hired Tom Stites to design its first golf club launches, which came in 2002.

After that, Nike Golf grew fairly quickly, and Woods (along with other company endorsees) eventually filled his bag with Nike Golf products.

Nike Golf's ensuing innovations included the Sumo2 driver released in early 2007, one of the first square drivers to reach the market or make an impact in the game.

The main company (all divisions) Web site is at Nike.com. The corporate Web site of Nike, Inc. (which includes investor info, job postings, etc.) is at NikeBiz.com.

Before calling, Nike Golf asks that golfers first check the FAQs posted online in the Customer Service section of NikeGolf.com.

Golfers outside the U.S. and Canada should go to the Web site and use the "Select Country" link to switch to the appropriate geographical region.

• Nike Method putter
• Review: Nike SQ Dymo STR8-Fit driver
• Nike SQ Sumo2 5900 SQ Sumo 5000 drivers
• Nike SQ Sumo irons added to Sasquatch lineup
• Nike Sasquatch Sumo and Sumo2 drivers
• Nike Juice 312 golf balls
• Nike introduces Slingshot irons
• Nike expands Slingshot, CPR offerings
• Review: Nike Ignite driver