Woods’ endorsement contract with GM’s Buick brand ended in 2008. But the manufacturer extended its relationship with golfer via several free loaner vehicles.
Woods specifically touted the Buick Enclave, a sport utility vehicle, during his contract with GM. Buick was also a long-time sponsor of the Buick Invitational, a PGA Tour event at held in San Diego, California. The sponsorship ended following the 2009 event
“/>Buick assumed title sponsorship of the event in 1991 and its contract ended at the end of 2009. Now called the San Diego Open, the tournament will held beginning January 25 at Torrey Pines. Woods won the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines in 2008.
Woods has lost a host of endorsement contracts since his car crash outside his Florida home.
The GM spokesman said the vehicle arrangement had been previously scheduled to end at the end of 2009.
James Raia
A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida. An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.