Even the world’s richest and most recognized athlete isn’t immune to the economic downtown. Yep, Tiger Woods got his pink slip from General Motors. GM and Tiger released a statement saying it was “mutual” that Woods’ endorsement deal was done, but come on. We all no better.
He is no longer endorsing the Buick brand because the company couldn’t afford the mega bucks he’s commanded the past nine years.
Buick has been one of golf’s biggest supporters. It was the first corporate sponsor to work with the PGA Tour, way back to the 1950s. Unfortunately, with the automotive slump, the company’s investment in the game is slowly slipping. Only two Buick golf events remain – the Buick Invitational and the Buick Open – down from four just a couple years ago. The Buick Scramble, the nation’s largest golf tournament for everyday players, was given away and has since been revived and renamed. Even all those Buick courtesy cars for players at events are being scaled back in 2009.
What’s the best way to save the company? Auction off the Buicks that Tiger has been driving the past few years … he doesn’t need them anymore.

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