Nike Golf has created a new ad in one- and two-minute versions about the influence of Tiger Woods on a young Rory McIlroy. "Ripple" shows McIlroy dreaming of one day competing against Woods. It begins with a reenactment of a young McIlroy intensely watching Woods win his first U.S. Amateur Championship on TV in '94, and it culminates with the two professionals competing against each other, walking side by side down the fairway (Nike Golf). GOLF WORLD MONDAY's Jaime Diaz reports the sets "included the small backyard of McIlroy's childhood home in Northern Ireland, as well as the Holywood Golf Club where he learned to play." The scene in which the real Woods and McIlroy "portray themselves together in a tournament was shot at Florida's BallenIsles C.C." Diaz: "Yeah, it's a big-time mercantilism, but also compelling stuff, destined to join Woods' magical wedge-bouncing 'Hacky Sack' spot of 2000, the Yo-Yo Ma accompanied slow-motion Woods swing of 2006 and the 'Tiger's Back' of 2009 as the best Nike golf commercials" (GOLF WORLD MONDAY, 4/6 issue).
HOLE IN ONE: GOLF DIGEST's Sam Weinman wrote the commercial "risks being terribly
contrived but is actually quite poignant." Nike "gets the broad
strokes right" (GOLFDIGEST.com, 4/5). Octagon First Call Managing Dir David Schwab on Twitter wrote, “Chills watching new @McIlroyRory @TigerWoods @Nike ad? Then give it up for director Steve Rogers.” Golf Channel’s Kelly Tilghman: “Can't wait for next week's Masters. Nike's new 'Ripple' commercial feat. Tiger & Rory is very cool.” CBS Sports Network’s Melanie Collins wrote, “This new Rory/Tiger commercial from @Nikegolf is legendary” (TWITTER.com, 4/6).
