Rory McIlroy has signed a 10-year, $100M deal with TaylorMade to "use the firm's clubs, ball and golf bag," which is believed to be the company's "biggest fiscal commitment to any golfer," according to Ewan Murray of the GUARDIAN. McIlroy had been "without an equipment contract since the end of last year, when Nike announced it was to withdraw from that market." McIlroy did recently sign a 10-year extension with Nike for apparel that is worth an estimated $100M. Murray noted McIlroy had "spent the early part of this year alternating between TaylorMade and Callaway clubs." He also "played with a Titleist ball but that was never a long-term solution" after he "bemoaned its performance" during The Masters last month. An all-in equipment deal was "always likely but McIlroy had been adamant he would have to be fully comfortable with the tools at his disposal before putting pen to paper" (THEGUARDIAN.com, 5/9). McIlroy said, "I've been on Tour 10 years, and it's very rare that you get really excited about your equipment. I feel like it's a new chapter in my life with a lot of stuff going on, but I really feel with the new equipment, as well, it's hopefully going to take me to that next level." He added, "It seems like with everything that's went on the last few weeks with getting married and teaming up with TaylorMade and everything, it seems like everything's very settled. There's not many question marks going on in my life right now" (USA TODAY, 5/10).
LONG OFF THE TEE: GOLFWEEK's David Dusek noted the deal means the top three golfers in the world – Dustin Johnson, McIlroy and Jason Day -- are "using TaylorMade equipment." Including Sergio Garcia (No. 6), TaylorMade has "four of the top six players in the world." TaylorMade also "struck a deal with Tiger Woods in January." Dusek noted Adidas "announced last year it intended to sell TaylorMade" (GOLFWEEK.com, 5/9). GOLF DIGEST's E. Michael Johnson wrote TaylorMade has "struggled some in recent years but seems to have regained its footing, along with its mojo -- an intangible not to be dismissed as rival Callaway rides the wave of success with its recently launched Epic driver." For TaylorMade to "not only sign McIlroy but to take him away from Callaway is a major boon." Also "factoring in McIlroy’s decision was conducting some due diligence with other TaylorMade staff players." McIlroy: “I spoke with a lot of them. I’ve become close to DJ, and we practice at the same club in Florida. I see him almost every day when we’re home." McIlroy added Johnson is "close" with TaylorMade VP/Tour Operations Keith Sbarbaro, who he "would trust ... with anything if he wanted to put something in his bag. Sergio was at my wedding and I asked him a few questions, and he couldn’t speak highly enough of the people" (GOLFDIGEST.com, 5/9).
CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES: On Twitter, McIlroy received several positive messages from his fellow TaylorMade endorsers. Dustin Johnson: "Proud to be a part of the best team on Tour. Welcome @McIlroyRory. #TeamTaylorMade." Sergio Garcia: "Welcome to the @TaylorMadeGolf family @McIlroyRory! Enjoy the ride my friend!" Jason Day: "Welcome to the family, @McIlroyRory! @TaylorMadeGolf just took it to another level. #LongestTeaminGolf." ESPN's Darren Rovell tweeted, "Rory was a huge beneficiary from Nike dropping out of clubs. With a Nike reduction + TaylorMade, guessing he'll make $25M/year from those 2." Golf blogger Dan Bier: "Between the $200M from Nike and $100M from TaylorMade, at least Rory could now afford some PXG wedges."
