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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.

Nike new players

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

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Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

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