The final step in Rory McIlroy signing on with Nike has been taken with the Jumeriah Group and his major sponsor for the past five years.
McIlroy is reputed to have earned $7m in the five-year deal with the Dubai-based company
News of ending his relationship with Jumerial comes after Titleist and Oakley also ended dealings late last year with McIlroy.
Rory McIlroy and Jumeriah end their five-year relationship. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)
The current World No. 1 has been wearing the Jumeriah logo ever since turning pro in September 2007.
However it’s clear Nike’s ‘stripped clean’ policy will see the 23-year old introduced next Monday night in Abu Dhabi as a Nike staff player in a gala function being arranged in the UAE capital.
It will be a signing with the sports and clothing giant expected to be worth some $200m to the curly-haired Northern Irishman.
Since McIlroy signed with the Jumeirah Group has doubled the number of hotels it operates around the world.
And McIlroy has been an ardent advocate of Jumeirah’s hotels, staying in its properties in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Shanghai, the Maldives, London and Rome, as well as participating in events with the company’s guests, partners and employees.
And in ending his involvement with Jumeriah McIlroy commented: “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.
“I have enjoyed five very exciting and successful years with Jumeirah and will always have great memories of my time with the company. Celebrating my first professional win at the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic with the Jumeirah team was a particular highlight!”
President and Group CEO of Jumeirah Group Gerald Lawless said: “We are extremely proud of Rory’s rise to the number one spot with Jumeirah as his principal sponsor since he turned professional. We are delighted with his consistent support of Jumeirah hotels & resorts around the world.
“He has been a tremendous ambassador for our brand both as a consummate golfing professional and as a young man with a great future ahead of him.
“We wish him continued success and we will continue to share a passion for his achievements and to welcome him in each of our hotels.”
This is the golf business so cash will rule the roost as usual. Its the name of the game these days but will it do anything for the grass roots of golf and will it help in expanding the game.
More importantly will it draw back the players who have drifted away
John