adminUS PGA champion McIlroy is poised to rubber-stamp a 10-year deal with US company Nike worth as much as US$250 million, according to media reports.
Nike is set to supply the 23-year-old Northern Irishman’s clubs and have its name or logo on his clothing in an exclusive deal.
The Dubai-based hotel company Jumeirah Group said yesterday that its five-year sponsorship with 2011 U.S. Open champion McIlroy had ended.
“Jumeirah became my first corporate sponsor when I turned professional back in 2007 and I would like to thank everyone at the company for their support in helping me become the player I am today,” McIlroy said in a news release. The player, who topped the money-lists on both sides of the Atlantic last year, said in November he did not think that ditching the Titleist clubs that have taken him to the top of the sport would affect his game.
Nike is hoping a partnership with the clean-cut McIlroy will help it to move on after it dropped disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong last year over his doping scandal. The company stuck with former world number one golfer Tiger Woods despite the bad publicity the American suffered when a series of extra-marital affairs were exposed in 2009.
Meanwhile, world number two Luke Donald will make his debut at the Malaysian Open this year, organisers said yesterday. The tournament, co-sanctioned by the Asian and European tours, is to be held at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club from March 21-24. “Donald’s presence, like many other top players we have had in the past, will not only draw the crowd but also strengthen Malaysia’s standing on the global golfing map,” said Megat Zaharuddin — SuperGolf.
Online Reporter