Sign up for our daily newsletter
Want latest news, reviews, analysis, deals, and events, and offers from our commercial partners? We’ve got you.
On the move: McIlroy, pictured wearing Nike shorts in Australia over the weekend, is set to be revealed by the brand next week
World No.1 expected to be revealed as brand’s latest addition on Jan 14
The worst-kept secret in golf is expected to be made public next week when Rory McIlroy is finally announced as a new Nike Golf staff player.
The Northern Irishman is due to be revealed as the latest high-profile athlete to wear the famous ‘Swoosh’ insignia on January 14 ahead of his 2013 debut in the Abu Dhabi Championship.
McIlroy, whose existing endorsement with the Acushnet Company expired at the end of last year, has been rumoured to be joining the likes of Tiger Woods and Michelle Wie in the Nike Golf stable for some months now in a deal that is expected to net him upwards of $250million and make him the second-highest paid British sportsman behind David Beckham.
On December 31, Nike Golf released a silhouetted image (below) of five players joining their line-up this year, with the first two – Kyle Stanley and Nick Watney – announced on New Year’s Day.
Thorbjorn Olesen has been added to the roster today, with a company spokesperson confirming there will be ‘a major announcement’ on January 14.
That major announcement, of course, is expected to be the signing of McIlroy, who has already been pictured on various occasions wearing Nike apparel. The two-time major winner is also believed to have filmed commercials for his new backers alongside Woods.
If, as expected, world No.1 McIlroy does indeed join Nike, it will complete what has been one of the busiest off-seasons in terms of players switching gear.
To make way for McIlroy, Watney, Stanley and Co., Nike Golf has seen major winners Stewart Cink and Lucas Glover join TaylorMade. Joining them there are Ryan Moore, John Huh and J.J. Henry.
Callaway, meanwhile, have added Gary Woodland and Chris Kirk, whilst Japanse sensation Ryo Ishikawa also penned a deal with them late last year.
More moves are expected in the coming fortnight but it is, without question, the imminent announcement of McIlroy as a Nike Golf staff player that continues to generate the most buzz.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF RORY’S IMMINENT MOVE TO NIKE GOLF? LEAVE YOUR THOUGHTS IN OUR ‘COMMENTS’ SECTION, BELOW
More Reads
The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland
Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.
Find Courses