Form an orderly queue, ladies and gentlemen.
Nike have announced that they would stop selling golf equipment, including clubs, bags, and golf balls.
The company famed in golfing circles for its sponsorship of Tiger Woods and, in more recent years, Rory McIlroy, will continue pushing golf apparel but it is to withdraw from the golf equipment business.
It doesn’t mean that Nike and McIlroy will no longer be partners.
According to Reuters, the company said that it would instead “accelerate innovation in its golf footwear and apparel business and on partnering with more golfers.”
No timeline has been given for the planned exit but it means that there will be no more natural endorsement opportunities like this.
It’s not only Nike that have made the decision to row back on their golf investment. Only in May, adidas announced that they would sell the bulk of their loss-making golf business and it sparks more questions about the waning interest in the sport.
If Nike continues with its golf clothing and footwear range, they could still conceivably sponsor Rory McIlroy’s wear but the Northern Irishman would require a new partner for his bag, his clubs and his golf balls – and they’d probably want exclusivity on all of his gear.
Under Armour, who endorse Jordan Spieth, are going from strength to strength in all sports and currently have more global superstars on their wider roster, with Steph Curry, Andy Murray, and Tom Brady all partners of the company.
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