Tiger Woods signs long-term video deal with 2K Games

Tiger Woods is making a comeback in golf -- at least in the virtual world.

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Woods, 45, has signed a long-term partnership with 2K Sports and will become an “executive director” for the company’s PGA Tour video game franchise, Golf magazine reported Tuesday.

The deal was announced nearly a month after Woods suffered career-threatening leg injuries when he crashed an SUV on a steep road in California.

The game will incorporate Woods’ image and likeness, Golf reported. The length of the deal was not reported, but 2K will have rights to use Woods within any golf games it creates.

“I am looking forward to making my return to the video game landscape, and with 2K and HB Studios, I’ve found the right partners to make it happen,” Woods said in a news release. “I’m honored to take part in this opportunity and look forward to sharing my expertise and insights as we build the future of golf video games together.”

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Woods was not among the players included in last year’s 2K game, ESPN reported. It is not clear whether Woods will be added to any upcoming games, or whether his image will be used on the game’s cover.

Justin Thomas, the world’s No. 2-ranked golfer, is on the cover of 2K’s most recent game, Golf reported.

Woods is tied with Sam Snead with the most PGA Tour titles (82), and his 15 majors wins are second only to Jack Nicklaus, who has 18. Woods won the Masters five times, including the 2019 tournament. He also has four PGA Championship titles, three U.S. Open Championships and three British Open Championships.

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“In golf, there is no bigger icon than Tiger Woods. Like the rest of the world, we were saddened to hear of his recent accident, and we wish him a full and smooth recovery,” David Ismailer, 2K’s president said in the news release. “We have been eager to announce our partnership with Tiger, whose legendary career has transcended the sport. We are thrilled to have him join our PGA Tour 2K series as an Executive Director.”

Woods had previously been involved with golf video games through EA Sports. Woods was on the cover of the Tiger Woods PGA Tour game from 1998 to 2013, Golf reported.

Woods and EA Sports parted four years after news of Woods’ extramarital affairs tarnished his public image, ESPN reported.

Woods has not been in a video game since he left EA Sports.

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