Nike Golf’s decision to withdraw from manufacturing golf equipment leaves the likes of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy,  Paul Casey, Brooks Koepka, Jamie Lovemark, Michelle Wie and many other leading golfers with immediate uncertainty.

Nike confirmed that while it would continue to produce footwear and clothing for the golf market, it will “transition out” of making clubs, balls and bags.

The four-time Major winning McIlroy signed with Nike in January 2013 in a 10-year deal reputed worth £150m to the Northern Irishman but with his switch to clubs bearing the all-familiar ‘swoosh’ causing much controversy.

His deal with Nike also coincided with a slump in form that finally ended 11 months later with victory in the Australian Open in Sydney.

However McIlroy showed he more concerned for the Nike staff and many, of course, he must come to have known well leading the the following tweet.

Sad for @nikegolf employees that worked so hard and made genuinely great golf equipment. Your support will always be appreciated #TeamNike

— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) August 4, 2016

However it has been 14-time Major winning and former long-standing World No. 1 Woods who has long been the face of Nike’s golf brand since 1996.

In the women’s game, Michelle Wie is also endorsed by the company.

“Athletes like Tiger, Rory and Michelle drive tremendous energy for the game and inspire consumers worldwide,” said Nike Golf president Daric Ashford.

“We’ll continue to ignite excitement with our athletes and deliver the best of Nike for the game.”

The decision to pull out of the market appears to be driven by a third successive year of declining sales, but Nike brand president Trevor Edwards said footwear and apparel will remain a big focus for the company.

“We’re committed to being the undisputed leader in golf footwear and apparel,” he said.

“We will achieve this by investing in performance innovation for athletes and delivering sustainable profitable growth for Nike Golf.”