Will we see Paddy Power’s logo on Tiger’s cap?

There’s a real possibility that when Tiger strides to the tee at his big comeback tournament, Paddy Power’s logo could be emblazoned across the front of his cap.

The New York Times reported over the weekend that the Dublin based sportsbook and casino operator had offered Tiger a five year, $75 million sponsorship deal.  Apparently the deal was declined by Tiger, but the book’s far from closed on this one.

Paddy Power have already stated that they will be upping the ante with a juicier offer, which suggests Tiger’s camp weren’t fundamentally opposed to the idea of a betting company sponsorship.  And Paddy’s, like most online gambling operators are pretty persistent and loath to let opportunities slip…especially ones that aren’t likely to come around too often.

Logo space on Tiger’s apparel would have been pretty hard to come by 6 months ago, but for the first time in a decade there is now plenty of vacant real estate on his cap, shirt or golf bag for companies not frightened of his tarnished image.   AT&T and Accenture jumped ship shortly after Elin took to her horny husband’s face with a 3-wood, Gatorade decided to dump him last week, and while he is still on the books at Gillette and TAG Heuer both companies have pulled his image from all campaigns for the time being.

You’d have to think that if ever his management could be open to sponsorship opportunities from the gambling sector then now is the time…and that’s what Paddy Power are betting on.  By their own admission, it would be their largest endorsement deal to date.  It’s certainly a step up from their sponsorship of Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah-Acheampong (the Snow Leopard from Vancouver Winter Olympics); or their $5000 purchase of the holy tree stump of Rathkeale to prevent it falling into the hands of online rival Goldenpalace.com.

Does Tiger need the money?  Of course not.  Would he like the support of a major corporate at a time when all others seem to be diving overboard as if he were the Titanic?  Can’t imagine why not.

I guess at the end of the day,  whether the deal gets done or not will depend on a number.  Certainly would be a coup for Paddy Power though.

As an aside Paddy Power are giving €1000 to one player from Livedealer.org in an exclusive promo for March.  For full terms click here .