Philadelphia, PA ….

Tiger Woods has joined fellow Nike-sponsored sports stars in defending the  ‘Face of Nike’ advertisement featuring former San Francisco 49ers quarter-back, Colin Kaepernick.

The $35billion sporting giant chose Kaepernick, the first NFL player to kneel during the playing of the USA national anthem as a protest against racism, as one of the faces for advertisements commemorating the 30th anniversary of its ‘Just Do It’ slogan.

However, videos of Nike shoes being burned have appeared since the release of advertisement earlier this week.

Kaepernick  drew controversy in ‘taking a knee’ and with US President Donald Trump reacting by vigorously attacking the actions.

The new Nike ad campaign was released before the start of the new NFL season, features a close-up black-and-white shot of Kaerpernick, along with the words, “Believe in something, even if it means sacrificing everything.”

Woods was asked his reaction after Friday’s second round of the BMW Championship in suburban Philadelphia.

“I think Nike is trying to get out ahead of it and trying to do something special and I think they’ve done that,” said the 14-time Major winner.

“It’s a beautiful spot and pretty powerful people in the spot.”

Woods was asked also if he was consulted or advised by Nike on the release of the advertising campaign.

“They did not tell me it was coming,” he said.

Tiger Woods on route to shooting a second round 70 at the BMW Championship

“When corporate does things that are outside of golf and outside of my realm, that’s what they do.”

A fortnight ago, Woods found himself being quizzed on his friendship with Trump, and given the two have been golfing buddies for years and have played since Trump took over from Barack Obama.

Trump backed Woods’ comments in a tweet posted on Sunday.

Only a lighter note, Woods did express his appreciation after being singled out by good friend and tennis ace, Serena Williams following Thursday’s US Open semi-final victory that now presents Williams with the opportunity to join Australia’s Margaret Court as the leading all-time Women’s major winner.

“Serena and I talk quite a bit but what she’s doing is just truly remarkable.,” said Woods

“Having a child and having all the duties of a mother and trying to come back and trying to play at the elite level and she’s doing it, that’s back to back finals, that’s pretty impressive.”