Nike could lose another top golf athlete in years to come, following 12-time major winner Tiger Woods out the door, with Rory McIlroy’s deal set to end in 2027
After being spotted getting cozy with the company’s founder in Dubai, Rory McIlroy may follow in Tiger Woods’ footsteps and depart from megabrand Nike when his contract expires to join up with emerging golf apparel company Greyson.
This month, after 27 years of successful business collaboration, Woods and Nike announced their separation. The incredible £311 million was reportedly earned by the golf legend through the partnership.
“Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate to start a partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the world,” Woods said in an official statement. “The days since have been filled with so many amazing moments and memories, if I started naming them, I could go on forever.”
Rumours have linked 15-time major winner Woods to TaylorMade, with the serial PGA title-winner already using their clubs. The brand retweeted an upcoming Woods podcast appearance with a wide-eyed emoji along with the caption: “Stay tuned.”
Attention has now turned toward another high-profile Nike golf athlete McIlroy, who is under contract with the brand until 2027. However, in a hint at where his future may lie, brand Greyson shared a picture of their founder Charlie Schaefer alongside McIlroy in Dubai, laughing and joking.
After missing out on winning the Dubai Invitational, McIlroy’s encounter with Schaefer was undoubtedly one of his most happy memories of his stay in Dubai. Tommy Fleetwood won, but McIlroy came in second and expressed dissatisfaction with his own performance. “It was my first tournament back after a while, so of course I made some dumb mistakes,” he admitted. “I feel like the rest of the game is right there if I can clean that up.”
McIlroy smiled and gave Fleetwood a big hug on the 18th green after missing out on a first victory since the Scottish Open in July. “It’s always very special when you play with one of your friends, one of the best players in the world, challenging yourself against those guys,” Fleetwood said.
“Rory’s been a very, very supportive influence on me over the past. … I’ve watched him do amazing things down the stretch in golf tournaments, and today was my turn.”
McIlroy will compete in another tournament held in the Middle East, hoping to move past his most recent setback. In two days, the Northern Irishman will participate in the Dubai Dessert Classic.
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic has a purse of £7.1 million, of which £1.2 million goes to the winner. McIlroy has experienced success in this competition, having taken first place three times.