Since Nike sent shockwaves through the golfing world last night with the confirmation of their withdrawal from the golf equipment industry, one question has been on people’s minds; what’s next for Rory McIlroy?
Boasting a roster that includes McIlroy, Tiger Woods and Brooks Koepka, amongst multiple others in the world’s top-50, Nike’s move is one that leaves the door open for the other giants of golf to make a splash.
Tiger’s future is as much in doubt as McIlroy’s. Woods has been with Nike since before they began making golf equipment, a business relationship that has lasted almost 20-years.
He helped grew the company with his amazing, emotional performances and transformed them into the most recognisable golf brand in the world, and in return they stood by him when personal problems and injuries led to the seemingly irreversible decline of his golfing career.
With the 14-time major winner looking to make his return to golf next year however, he will now be looking for a new partner and it’s most likely to be a simple return to Titleist whose clubs he used throughout the early part of his career.
It’s McIlroy however that the people are talking about. He’s the biggest free-agent in golf right now, and the target that every golf brand in the world is lining up.
Prior to signing with Nike in 2013, McIlroy was viewed as the ultimate successor to the throne that Tiger Woods had sat on for almost 15 years.
The 10-year, $200m contract he signed with them pretty much confirmed their faith in the Holywood star. His career has been rocky since he changed however and despite winning two major-championships under contract to Nike in 2014, he has suffered overall from a lack of consistency.
His major drought over the last two years has led many to question whether he should look to change brands, so it seems like great timing for his professional future that he now has that option.
Although golf’s traditional giants such as Taylor-Made, Callaway and Titleist are going to be licking their lips at the opportunity to add McIlroy to their team, one brand seems to stand out in the race: PXG.
Since its arrival on the scene in 2015, PXG has garnered quite a reputation for itself. Founded by billionaire and golf nut Bob Parsons, the company aims not to appeal to the masses with quality, affordable clubs, but instead to focus on producing the best golf clubs that money can buy.
Parsons doesn’t care about making huge revenues from this venture. Instead he wants to revolutionise the game through innovative equipment and he seems to have done just that.
PXG currently sponsor Zach Johnson, Billy Horschel and Chris Kirk among others, all of whom have described its equipment as the best they’ve ever used. PXG are on the rise, and with a billionaire owner who doesn’t care about splashing some cash, they are the ideal company to make a go at signing McIlroy.
Parsons confirmed himself last night that since Nike’s announcement, more than 30 agents have been in contact with him about doing business with their respective clients.
They’re the brand that the players want to go to. Although he didn’t add to any speculation that he is interested in making a move for either Tiger or Rory, he did remark on the potential business opportunities that might be available.
“I do look at it as an opportunity to possibly do business with them (Nike) as a partner in the future since they’re an awfully good company and a big player in the apparel and shoe markets.”
Bob Parsons just told us that he's heard from 30 player agents so far. Expect PXG to be major player in Nike Golf fallout.
— MYGOLFSPY (@MyGolfSpy) August 4, 2016
With PXG’s superior knowledge in the equipment market and Nike’s huge market share in the apparel industry, the possibility of an alliance could be on the cards. Even if this isn’t to be the case though, PXG will see Nike’s decision as a huge opportunity to become a major player next year with a few key signings.
Considering other major brands are currently tied up in other huge player sponsorship deals, PXG are without question the brand with ability to attract talent, both in terms of money and quality equipment.
It’s a real possibility Rory could become their main brand ambassador in the near future, but they will need to move fast.
It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a start-up golf company come in and make an immediate impact on the game like PXG have done over the last 12 months. It seems they got in at just the right time. Stay tuned.
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