Business Leads UK

The television advertising figure was estimated by Aaron Cohen, chief media negotiating officer at New York agency Horizon Media. The Nike loss was estimated by Claire Gallacher, analyst at San Diego-based Capstone Investments Inc.

Bloomberg quotes Rick Gentile, a former CBS Sports executive producer who teaches at Seton Hall University, as saying: “It’s not so much a ripple effect as it is a tsunami.

"The aura is gone."

Other metrics the Bloomberg report predicts to fall include television audiences, which could shrink by half based on Nielsen Company data from previous events, and tournament crowds, which could fall 20 per cent according to organisers.

The 33-year-old golfer, who earns over $100 million annually from endorsements and tournaments, has seen his reputation with the public plummet following reports of infidelity. Woods released a statement on December 2 saying he let his family down with “transgressions”.

Many companies had stopped running ads as the PGA golf season ended however a Gillette advert featuring baseball player Derek Jeter is still running. His sponsors will undoubtedly attempt to limit his face time, The best thing he can do is get back on a golf course.

Woods has endorsement agreements with Accenture, Nike, Pepsi-owned Gatorade, Tag Heuer watches, Electronic Arts and Gillette.

Nike said: “Nike supports Tiger and his family. Our relationship remains unchanged.”

Gillette owner Procter and Gamble said: “At this time, we are not making any changes to our existing marketing programs. As a matter of policy, we don't comment on future marketing plans.”

Netjets, owned by Warren Buffett’s investment company Berkshire Hathaway, said: “Tiger Woods is one of the premiere athletes in the world and we are proud to have him involved with NetJets."

However Reuters said it was unable to obtain a comment from officials at other sponsors telecoms company AT&T, business consultancy Accenture, watchmaker Tag Heuer, and sports memorabilia company Upper Deck.