Tiger Woods is back in the game – digitally, at least.
Woods signed a long-term partnership with the company behind the PGA Tour 2K video game series, returning the 15-time champion to an industry he already dominated with EA Sports.
The deal was announced on Tuesday, almost a month after Woods suffered leg injuries that threatened his career by crashing an SUV on a steep road in the suburbs of Los Angeles.
It is possible that Woods will never return to the PGA Tour, where his 82 wins are tied with Sam Snead, but his name and image 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 it will be added or whether his name or image will be used on the cover. A press release from 2K said only that Woods would be an executive director and consultant.
Woods has partnered with EA Sports for 15 years, and the Tiger Woods PGA Tour series is among the most successful sports video games of all time. Woods and EA Sports split 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 reboot was below average. EA Sports has not produced a golf game since.
“I’m looking forward to getting back on the video game scene and, with 2K and HB Studios, I found the right partners to make this happen,” said Woods in a statement released by 2K. “I am honored to participate in this opportunity and look forward to sharing my experience and insights as we build the future of golf video games together.”