Tiger Woods is back in the game – at least digitally.
Woods has signed a long-term partnership with the company behind the PGA Tour 2K video game series, returning the major champion 15 times in an industry he dominates with EA Sports.
The deal was announced Tuesday, nearly a month after Woods suffered endangered foot injuries when he crashed an SUV on a steep road in suburban Los Angeles.
Woods may never return to the PGA Tour, where his 82 victories are most often tied to Sam Snead, but his name and likeness will be used exclusively in the PGA Tour 2K franchise. Woods was not among the players included in last year’s 2K game and it is unclear whether he will be added or whether his name or image will be used on the cover. A 2K press release only said that Woods will be the executive director and consultant.
Woods has been partnering with EA Sports for 15 years, and the Tiger Woods PGA Tour series is one of the most successful sports video games to date. Woods and EA Sports broke up in 2013, four years after news of Woods’ extramarital affairs tarnished his public image.
EA Sports rebuilt the game from scratch and put Rory McIlroy on the cover in 2015, but the restart received lower reviews. EA Sports has not produced a golf game since.
“I’m looking forward to getting back into the video game landscape, and with 2K and HB Studios, I’ve found the right partners for this to happen,” Woods said in a statement released by 2K. “I am honored to take this opportunity and look forward to sharing your expertise and ideas as we build the future of golf video games together.”