Rory McIlory Voices Support For Nike Staff After Company Announces End Of Golf Equipment Production

Rory McIlroy has jumped on Twitter to express his support for Nike employees after the sportswear giant announced it will stop making golf equipment.

Rory McIlory Voices Support For Nike Staff

The 27-year-old Northern Irishman signed a 10-year deal with Nike in 2013 worth approximately £150 million ($196.9 million) to use their equipment.

It remains unclear how his contract — and that of Tiger Woods — will be affected by the sportswear giant’s news, which was announced Wednesday night.

McIlroy has used social media to show his support for the staff, and described their equipment as “genuinely great.”

Nike will continue to make shoes and clothing. However, they will no longer produce golf clubs, balls and bags. The decision leaves McIlroy in limbo with seven years remaining on the contract.

Nike Golf has seen sales decline since in line with Woods’ career after he was involved in negative incidents both on and off the green. Sales have only been growing at around four percent per year–about half the pace of the company’s overall growth. Woods has been with Nike since 1996.

The company, which is based in Seattle, had hoped McIlroy would help revive their fortunes.

Although he has won The Open, the US Masters and the USA PGA since switching to Nike, the company have struggled to compete with other golf club brands.

Trevor Edwards, President of Nike Brand, stated: “We’re committed to being the undisputed leader in golf footwear and apparel.

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

The company also sponsors Michelle Wie, one of the LPGA Tour’s high-profile players.

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

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

The company’s sales in their golf unit fell last year for the third consecutive year, by eight percent, to £531 million ($696.9 million), which factored in the decision to withdraw from the competitive equipment market.

SPRINGFIELD, NJ – JULY 29: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays his shot from the 12th tee during the second round of the 2016 PGA Championship at Baltusrol Golf Club on July 29, 2016 in Springfield, New Jersey. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)