Nike Golf to 'transition out' of clubs and golf balls!!

Not overly surprised by the news and to be honest Nike were never a brand that sprang immediately to mind when thinking of new clubs. They made some reasonable irons but never got on with the drivers at all. The platinum ball was a quality premium ball though.

Not sure Rory will be overly bothered by the news as I'm sure he'll find a new set and company to showcase pretty easily.

Do folks think Nike will retain him on clothing and space-boots etc on a slightly cheaper deal and he can get clubs/baws/bag elsewhere and might it put off another brand if they don't get to 'dress him' too i.e Callaway, so might limit his options

If so a Titleist/Nike combo meal deal sounds like a good fit without too much conflict of interest to either brand
 
I have to say I am surprised by this news. I have had some great Nike clubs in the past ( but use Ping now, so I guess that says a lot). Their combo irons were excellent and the SQ driver was the best I have ever had in relation to its competition around at the time. At one time their balls were only really matched by Titleist. I know their investment in R&D was significant by any standards.
I think it says more about the state of the industry when a player the size of Nike leaves especially when Adudas are trying to off load TM and Bridgestone leave our region.
Personally, I am sorry to see Nike go. They made some excellent product which I enjoyed using. Sad news.
 
Do folks think Nike will retain him on clothing and space-boots etc on a slightly cheaper deal and he can get clubs/baws/bag elsewhere and might it put off another brand if they don't get to 'dress him' too i.e Callaway, so might limit his options

If so a Titleist/Nike combo meal deal sounds like a good fit without too much conflict of interest to either brand

Nike will do a deal with Rory since he's only just a couple of years into his 10 year deal. Money wise he never has to work again, but Nike will have to pay him off in some way, whether that is keeping him on a clothing deal and he plays someone else's clubs, or just pay him off to sever the contract full stop. He'll have no shortage of suitors for new clubs and clothing. My first thought was that he might go back to Titleist, but Puma, TM and Callaway would all be happy to have him play their brand.
 
Do folks think Nike will retain him on clothing and space-boots etc on a slightly cheaper deal and he can get clubs/baws/bag elsewhere and might it put off another brand if they don't get to 'dress him' too i.e Callaway, so might limit his options

If so a Titleist/Nike combo meal deal sounds like a good fit without too much conflict of interest to either brand

I'd be surprised if Titleist (or any club manufacturer) with ties to other clothing lines, Footjoy in the case of Titleist, would allow Rory or any high profile golfer to play with their clubs yet wear Nike gear.

If he sticks with Nike clothing then I can only really see him going to PXG as they are purely equipment. Anywhere else and you'd want the complete package.
 
Wouldn't Rory's new club brand want him to wear their carb too..?
After all, from a distance clubs look pretty similar and you don't get much of a view on TV as the caddy is lagging 10 yards behind.
Branding on clothes is the big one and should TM of Callaway or whoever picks him up will want their brand on pictures of him.
Not sure that a shirt with Nike and Callaway would work for either company
 
Wouldn't Rory's new club brand want him to wear their carb too..?
After all, from a distance clubs look pretty similar and you don't get much of a view on TV as the caddy is lagging 10 yards behind.
Branding on clothes is the big one and should TM of Callaway or whoever picks him up will want their brand on pictures of him.
Not sure that a shirt with Nike and Callaway would work for either company

The likes of callaway dont always have clothing contracts with their pros. Stenson is callaway clubs and hugo boss clothing. Mickelson is callaway clubs and clothing that just says ernst and young or kpmg etc.
 
The likes of callaway dont always have clothing contracts with their pros. Stenson is callaway clubs and hugo boss clothing. Mickelson is callaway clubs and clothing that just says ernst and young or kpmg etc.

Agreed but you still see the logo somewhere on their shirts....
 
Just wondering if not selling clubs will reduce their market appeal for golfing clothing and footware?

I don't think so. I'd buy their clothes and shoes but it wouldn't tempt me to look at their clubs and there are already many that are just clothing/shoe based who seem to be doing ok. I can see the logic of getting out of a market you aren't growing or competing in and going back to a core product you already have large market recognition in
 
He was already spotted at the weekend with a new Scotty Cameron. Would be amazed if there wasn't a Scotty in his bag for the Masters. He doesn't need to sell to the highest bidder, if he is truly concerned about winning major championships and building his legacy he will do whatever he feels is right for him, not his agent.,
 
Agreed but you still see the logo somewhere on their shirts....

I think he'll stay with Nike especially as he is one of the main brand advocates (they have used him for the launch of their fitness app too), leaving him to use which ever brand of clubs he wishes.

Not sure Titleist will mind too much if he wears nike. Carbera-Bello left Footjoy and signed a deal with Oakley and still uses Titleist, as did Rory - who never actually wore Footjoy clothing (IIRC).
 
I Imagine there is a far better margin for them on "apparel". There must be lots of guys out there that have never owned a Nike club, but have some clothing of some sort, myself included. Prob makes good business sense.

When it comes to clubs there must be R&D etc and a significant cost for that, where as clothing they prob already have that for the other stuff they make.
 
I wouldnt be surprised to see one of these 2 scenarios.

Nike retain Rory on clothing etc and he is signed by someone like PXG or Ping and probably go back to a Titleist ball.

Cobra/Puma take him on whole hog as he fits their model, Rory and Rickie showcasing Cobra/Puma.
 
Shame. had plenty of Nike clubs and liked them all.

Agreed. Liked the VR Pro combo irons I had...... I currently use their hybrids, woods and driver and have done since the red coverts made an appearance.

I for one will be looking for some bargains to put away until its time for new clubs.
 
maybe it is different on the continent but personally i have yet to meet a fellow competitor actually using Nike clubs. balls & shoes, yes they are quite commonly used but clubs?
that must have some impact on business figures
 
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