Even as he recovers from a near deadly car crash, Tiger Woods is signing deals to return to the golf course.
At least digitally.
Woods signed a long-term collaboration with 2K, the firm behind the PGA Tour 2K video game series, restoring the 15-time major champion to a digital space he once ruled over as the star of EA Sports.
We’re thrilled to announce that @TigerWoods is coming back to golf video games with @PGATOUR2K, in partnership with 2K and @hb_studios. We can’t wait to share more about the future of the franchise! https://t.co/XswY6LLTaL pic.twitter.com/zRU9o4k7ta
— 2K (@2K) March 16, 2021
The agreement was revealed Tuesday, almost a month after Woods sustained serious leg injuries in a single-vehicle crash on the Monday morning following the Woods-hosted Genesis Invitational at Riviera.
“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 statement released by 2K. “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.”
The deal permits 2K exclusive rights to use Woods’ name and likeness in the franchise series and other golf games through the length of their agreement, according the 2K statement.
Woods was not Included in last year’s PGA Tour 2K game, which featured Justin Thomas on the cover. It’s uncertain if he’ll be added to the existing series, or if he’ll be starring on the cover in a new release.
The press release from 2K only noted that Woods would be an “executive director and consultant.”
For 15 years, Woods was the face and star of EA Sports’ “Tiger Woods PGA Tour” franchise. To date, this series remains among the most successful sports video games ever produced and sold.
After Woods and EA Sports split in 2013, they attempted a reboot two years later with Rory McIlroy on the cover. EA Sports hasn’t produced a golf game since.
Once again @TigerWoods will tee off in a video game. ?
He's inked a long-term deal with 2K, and will be coming to @PGATOUR2K in the future. pic.twitter.com/xURBqPoT7n
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 16, 2021
