January 14, 2013 – In an elaborate, high-tech ceremony Monday at the Fairmont Hotel in Abu Dhabi, Nike Golf officially welcomed the world’s No.1 player into its family of golfers. Rory McIlroy signed a multiyear deal with the company and the famous Swoosh will be found on his clubs, ball, footwear, glove, bag, apparel, headwear and accessories.

“I’ve always associated Nike with the best,” Rory McIlroy said. “Growing up, whether it was golf, tennis, football, the best athletes were with Nike. I’ve watched Tiger Woods make history with Nike, and Roger Federer, and Rafa Nadal. Now I want to create my own history with Nike.”

Terms of the deal were not released, but several reports have said it is in the neighborhood of $200 million to $250 million over 10 years. If the deal with Nike is confirmed at $250 million, it would be the most lucrative endorsement ever negotiated in golf.

The 23-year-old Ulsterman makes his 2013 debut Thursday in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, where he is likely to be paired with fellow Nike player and former No. 1 Tiger Woods. Last year, McIlroy cemented his position as the top golfer in the world when he won five titles worldwide, including his second major championship at the PGA Championship. He also won money titles on the PGA Tour and European Tour, and he was voted Player of the Year on both sides of the Atlantic.

What’s in Rory’s new golf bag?

• Driver: Nike VR_S Covert Tour (9.5 degrees, neutral position)
• Fairway Woods: Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 3 (15 degrees)
 & 5 (19 degrees)
• Irons: Nike VR Pro Blades (3-PW)
• Wedges: Nike VR Pro Blade
 (48 degrees), Nike VR Pro (54 &  
60 degrees)
• Putter: Nike Method 006 Prototype
• 
Ball: Nike 20XI X
• Apparel: Nike Golf Tour Performance Collection
• Footwear: Nike Lunar Control

McIlroy will be playing with the world’s first high speed cavity back driver that conforms to USGA and R&A Rules — the Nike VR_S Covert. “The driver is awesome,” Rory McIlroy said. “I’m really excited about the Nike equipment. I was blown away with the technology. As soon as I hit (the driver), I knew it was in my bag straight away.”

“I’ve been testing all the way through Christmas. I’ve been practicing hard in the offseason. This equipment change has been seamless,” McIlroy said. “I think I can take my game to another level.”

It is McIlroy’s first manufacturer change during his six-year career as a tour professional. McIlroy split with Titleist at the end of 2012 and earlier this year ended his relationship with Jumeirah, a Dubai-based luxury hotel company that was his first corporate sponsor. As well, another former sponsor, eye-glasses giant Oakley, is suing McIlroy and Nike for breach of contract.

“The reason we get the best athletes is because of our innovation,”Cindy Davis, president of Nike Golf, said. “What we know about Tiger, and what is clear with Rory, is that they transcend golf and sports. They are great in the sport of golf, but they are great athletes and appeal to a broad audience the world over.”

“What this will enable us to do is tell incredible stories. We’re going to have fun with this. Since we signed Tiger, we now have had kids growing up playing Nike equipment. A whole new generation of players with Nike golf equipment. Tiger and Rory will help us continue to go that.”

With the announcement came Nike’s newest commercial, featuring Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods. Very funny…

Nevertheless, McIlroy’s performance with his new clubs will come under close scrutiny. Six-time major champion Nick Faldo is among many who have voiced concern over McIlroy’s switch. Golf’s history is littered with players making equipment changes and then struggle. Will see…

Por REDACCIÓN