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Rory McIlroy

Nike exits golf equipment business; no more clubs, balls or bags

Is this the answer to Rory’s putting problems?

WHENEVER INJURY-PLAGUED 14-time major champion Tiger Woods returns to the PGA Tour, he will not be using Nike golf clubs.

The sports equipment and apparel giant announced on Wednesday that it will accelerate innovation in its golf footwear and apparel business and will partner with more of the world’s best golfers.

In line with this new focus, Nike Golf will transition out of equipment — including clubs, balls and bags.

“We’re committed to being the undisputed leader in golf footwear and apparel,” Nike Brand president Trevor Edwards said in a statement.

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

Top players such as Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka and Michelle Wie will also have to find new equipment soon.

“Athletes like Tiger, Rory and Michelle drive tremendous energy for the game and inspire consumers worldwide,” Nike Golf president Daric Ashford said. ”Over the past year the MM Fly Blade Polo, the Flyknit Chukka and Air Zoom 90 have all connected strongly with golfers. We’ll continue to ignite excitement with our athletes and deliver the best of Nike for the game.”

Nike did not provide a timeline for when it will discontinue its golf equipment sales.

PXG golf has made waves in its inaugural season on Tour with the likes of Zach Johnson, Billy Horschel, Charl Schwartzel and Charles Howell III all switching to the new brand.

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    Mute Sean Lawlor
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    Aug 4th 2016, 8:52 AM

    It isn’t the actual putter to blame for Rory’s bad form, his stance is far too rigid and everything looks forced. If he went back to a natural approach with a €10 lidl putter he would do better. He certainly couldn’t do much worse, in the bottom 5 of 160 pros in putting last week… And 20 of them were club professionals! A normal putting performance would have got him a top ten easily and a decent week putting would have seen him win. Instead he missed the cut, it’s not rocket science to figure out the issue.

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    Mute Barry Fulham
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    Aug 4th 2016, 9:56 AM

    In fairness to him, he probably has the jitters now that the zika virus has arrived in the U.S.

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    Mute dowthebow
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    Aug 4th 2016, 10:43 AM

    Guaranteed he’s back to his old putter at his next event

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    Mute Sean Lawlor
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    Aug 4th 2016, 11:21 AM

    Scotty Cameron will be delighted

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    Mute Kearnsy
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    Aug 4th 2016, 12:42 PM

    He used a scotty cameron at the PGA

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    Mute ktsiwot
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    Aug 4th 2016, 10:42 AM

    Great news for Rory, he can now use a putter he is comfortable with.

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    Mute Rascal McGee
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    Aug 4th 2016, 10:55 AM

    Haha, imagine that was the real route of his problems!

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    Mute Rascal McGee
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    Aug 4th 2016, 3:34 PM

    Correct. I might be drunk?

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    Mute Derek delaney
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    Aug 4th 2016, 12:26 PM

    Titleist+ Scotty= back on major trail for Rory .

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    Mute mcdb06
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    Aug 4th 2016, 2:39 PM

    How did he win 2 consecutive majors with Nike clubs then?

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    Mute Declan Gill
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    Aug 4th 2016, 5:04 PM

    Check out his Nike sweater in the accompanying photo
    The first time u look at it u think Rors’ must be benching more reps than he is hitting golf balls
    Now look more closely
    I’m getting that sweater for Christmas

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    Mute Conor Magee
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    Aug 4th 2016, 6:51 PM

    I saw Francesco Molinari wear the same top recently and it did nothing for him so think again before buying your own one.

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    Mute Jason O'Dwyer
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    Aug 4th 2016, 5:24 PM

    It’s not the arrow. It’s the Indian.

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    Mute Jimmy Boots
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    Aug 5th 2016, 12:29 AM

    Nike exit golf but actually don’t in any way: Irish sports journalism

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