Perhaps the worse kept secret in all of history and the biggest signing over the past couple of weeks, Nike Golf officially announced the joining of Rory McIlroy to Team Nike. The deal is reported to be $200 million over 10 years for the world number one, which makes Rory one of the highest paid athletes in the world. For Nike, the signing brings a young face back to the brand. Nike now represents golf’s two biggest stars in McIlroy and Tiger Woods, who has been with the company since turning pro in 1996.
Having his own “Hello, World” moment, Nike set up a grand presentation for McIlroy with blaring music, his image part of a water hologram and everything else you’d expect from Nike. As part of the presentation, McIlroy was also “welcomed” to the Nike family in video tributes from Manchester United soccer player Wayne Rooney, tennis star Roger Federer and of course, Tiger Woods.
McIlroy has said he’s spent a considerable amount of time at Nike’s testing facility known as “The Oven” in Fort Worth, Texas. “I feel like I’ve transitioned seamlessly from one thing to another. I’m really comfortable with all of the clubs. I’m getting more distance out of the driver and the ball. I’m comfortable with the irons, everything has fallen into place. I’m excited to put the clubs in play,” said McIlroy. In his bag through leaked photos were the Nike VR Pro Blades, Nike Covert driver, VR Pro fairway woods and a variety of wedges stamped with “Rors.” Officially from Team Nike, McIlroy’s equipment will consist of:
Driver: Nike VR_S Covert Tour 9.5-degree, neutral position
Fairway Wood: Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 3-wood/15-degree and 5-wood/19-degree
Irons: Nike VR Pro Blades (3-PW)
Wedges: Nike VR Pro 54-degree and 60-degree
Putter: Nike Method 006 Prototype
Ball: Nike 20XI X
Apparel: Nike Golf Tour Performance Collection
Footwear: Nike Lunar Control“I chose Nike for a number of reasons,” said McIlroy. “It’s a company and a brand that really resonates with me. It’s young. It’s athletic. It’s innovative. They are committed to being the best, as am I. Signing with Nike is another step towards living out my dream.”
We can’t wait to see more commercials of Tiger and Rory – “No Cup is Safe!”
Source: Nike Inc., ESPN Golf
