In case you’re one of the handful of people out there that hasn’t seen or heard the news, Nike just launched an ad featuring Tiger Woods, only days before his highly anticipated return to golf for the Masters. And if you are one of those people, let me save you some time: it sucks! It is absolutely horrible – do not waste your time watching it!!

The spot is ridiculous. I won’t go into detail about all of the reasons why it’s ridiculous because you’ve probably heard them already: it’s creepy; you don’t know who the voice in the background belongs to; it has nothing to do with Nike; Tiger’s father shouldn’t be a moral compass for anyone. You get it.

Lots of people are giving Nike credit for being courageous for putting out such a controversial spot. Donny Deutsch appeared on The Today Show yesterday and said, “Most advertisers would not have hit it head on…I think it is the most brilliantly stunning move I have seen in a long time.”

Are you serious?? Give me a break!! The only thing brave or courageous about putting out a spot like this is on the agency’s part because they are putting themselves in imminent danger of being FIRED when the spot is a complete and utter failure!!

Tiger is a spokesperson for Nike. His job is to represent and promote the Nike brand. This spot in no way, shape or form does that. Even if you like the commercial (which gives me serious cause for concern if you do), is it really going to make you want to run out and buy a new pair of Nike tennis shoes or a set of golf clubs? No!! Instead, this spot seems more like a continuation of the ongoing public awareness campaign issued from Tiger’s camp in an attempt to repair his image. It’s absurd.

I don’t know who is more to blame here – the agency for creating this spot, or Nike for approving it! It doesn’t really matter – it’s a lose-lose situation for both of them. And as long as we’re going down that road, I might as well point out that it’s another huge mistake for Tiger as well. He needs to make up his mind: either focus on his golf game and keep his personal life out of it; or continue trying to repair his public image by beating a dead horse over and over again. I’ve completely lost respect for him either way. But at least pick an option and stick to it.