Rory McIlroy was officially welcomed to the Nike Golf team today at the Fairmont Hotel in Abu Dhabi. Nike rolled out the red carpet for world’s No. 1 player who now has a very powerful one-two line-up featuring Rory alongside Tiger Woods. McIlroy reportedly signed a multiyear deal with Nike which will extend to cover clubs, ball, footwear, glove, apparel, headwear and accessories.
Rory spoke about the deal according to the USA Today:
“I’ve always associated Nike with the best,” McIlroy said at the announcement. “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 Rafael Nadal. Now I want to create my own history with Nike.
” … Nike is 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.”
No one has released an official word on the financial terms but it is believed to have netted Rory $200 million to $250 million over a 10 year period. Not a bad pay day for the 23-year old.
Nike wasted no time in getting Rory in front of the camera, and today they released a new advertisement featuring Rory and Tiger at the driving range with a tag-line of “when Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy hit the range, no cup is safe.”
