ZealousGolfer.com

In response to tougher economic times, every American is pulling the belt a little tighter, and that will, apparently, include Tiger Woods.

General Motors has announced that its sponsorship of Woods will cease after December 31. Other marketing efforts have been cut as well. GM will not advertise during the Super Bowl or the Oscars.

It's noteworthy that Woods has only ever had two sponsors on his bag: Titleist and Buick. Estimates are that Woods was paid $9 million by GM.

Buick, which said it will cut down substantially on providing its vehicles for use as courtesy cars for players at future tour events, is down to two PGA tournaments now. It insists it will maintain sponsorship of both the early season Buick Invitational in California and the summertime Buick Open in Michigan. The AP reports that Buick has discontinued transportation for the John Deere Classic in Silvis, Illinois, the U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee, the AT&T National in Washington and the Transitions Championship outside Tampa, Fla.

I doubt anyone believes this is a commentary on Woods. Given that GM officials went to Washington in their private jet to beg for a financial bailout, it would be a tough pill for tax payers to swallow to use tax dollars to reimburse sports heroes.

On Tigerwoods.com, Woods states that it is an amicable split since he desires more family time as wife, Elin, is expecting their second child in late winter.