World No. 2 Rory McIlroy is almost certain to contest the Omega European Masters later this year and also next year’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic after the announcement here at Augusta today he has signed a new endorsement deal with Swiss watchmaker Omega.
McIlroy, who secure a best season finish of second in last week’s Valero Texas Open, will join fellow Omega Ambassadors that includes Michael Phelps, Greg Norman, Nicole Kidman, George Clooney, Sergio Garcia and Women’s World No. 1 Stacy Lewis.— Rory McIlroy has signed a new endorsement deal with Swiss watchmaker Omega.
It means McIlroy has severed his sponsorship with rival Swiss watch-maker, Audemars Piguet in favour of Omega.
After confirmation of his signing with Nike, the Omega deal is the third sponsorship deal for the 23-year old this year after having annouced he is representing Bose.
World No. 2 Rory McIlroy signs multi-million dollar deal with Swiss watch giant, Omega
“I think it’s a great deal for me,” he McIlroy.
“I’ve sort of tried to adopt the strategy that I don’t want a lot of sponsors, but there are a few very big global brands that can reach out to different parts of the world. It’s a great fit.”
Of course, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
However Conor Ridge, who manager’s McIlroy’s affairs, indicated this new Omega deal will not involve McIlroy wearing the Omega logo on his apparel.
“Rory is one of those golfers who lights up every course he plays on,” said Omega President Stephen Urquhart pictured above with McIlroy.
“In recent years, he has been golf’s most exciting player and he has already attracted legions of new fans. He’s the sort of golfer who is good for the sport and for its image, and we are all looking forward to seeing how far this extraordinary talent will take him.”
The 23-year-old player from Northern Ireland already has won two majors, setting a scoring record in the 2011 U.S. Open and a record for his eight-shot margin of victory last summer at Kiawah Island in the PGA Championship. He was No. 1 in the world until Tiger Woods replaced him two weeks ago.
McIlroy will have a chance to get back the No. 1 ranking this week at the Masters.
He also delivered three points for Europe when it won the Ryder Cup last year at Medinah, winning his Sunday singles match against Keegan Bradley despite nearly missing his starting time when he lost track of the central time zone.
“I guess I won’t be late now,” McIlroy said with a laugh.
Omega has been making a strong push into golf in recent years, including a deal with the PGA of America that gave it marketing rights at the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup when the matches are played in the United States. It also has been the official timekeeper of the Olympics since 1932.
“They’re trying to expand into golf, and they’ve got some great ambassadors already,” McIlroy said. “I’m delighted to be on board.”
