Tiger Wood's practices with his new Nike Method 001 in preparation for the 2010 Open Championship.

The Cameron Crazies are buzzing about the news that Tiger Woods has made the long rumored switch from his Scotty Cameron German Stainless Steel (GSS) Newport 2 putter to a Nike Method 001 in preparation for the Open Championship. Tiger has gamed his custom Scotty since 1999 and used it for 13 of his 14 majors. The playing endorsement of the #1 player in the world helped fuel the popularity of the Carlsbad, CA brand over the past decade but ever since the release of the well received Nike Method putter it has been speculated that Tiger would opt for an all Nike bag.

In an article written by David Dusak for Golf.com, Rick Nichols, Nike Golf’s tour field manager, revealed that Woods has given Nike input on the Method putters since their inception almost two years ago.  In fact, he said that Tiger’s back-up putter—to be used if his Cameron was damaged—has been a Method 001.

So, what brought on the change now?  Tiger said this week that it has to do with St. Andrews slower greens.  “I have always struggled on slower greens,” Woods said. “This week I have not had to make that much of an adjustment because the ball is coming off the face a little quicker.”

Based on his comment, the change sounds temporary but I think Woods is just trying to soften the blow to Cameron by claiming that he’s making the switch now just based on conditions.  The Method does have 1 degree less loft which would help on slow greens, but Scotty could have adjusted the loft on Tiger’s Newport 2.  If Tiger has any success on the greens at all then I’d be willing to bet that the Method is in his bag to stay and that will be a huge coup for Nike Golf.