Equipment
Nike signs McIlroy to a multi-year deal
Nike has signed Rory McIlroy, the No. 1-ranked golfer in the world, to a multi-year contract to use the company’s golf equipment and wear its apparel, hat, glove, footwear and accessories.
The announcement cames from a Nike media event at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship where McIlroy will make his tournament debut as a Nike athlete. Here is the equipment McIlroy will use the following equipment this week:
Driver: Nike VR_S Covert Tour (10.5-degree, neutral setting) with Mitsubishi Diamana prototype 70X shaft
Fairway Woods: Nike VR Pro Limited Edition (15 and 19 degrees)
Long Irons: VR Pro II Blades (3 iron through PW)
Wedges: Nike VR Pro (54 and 60 degrees)
Ball: Nike 20XI X
Putter: Nike Method 006 Prototype
Apparel: Nike Golf Tour Performance Collection
Footwear: Nike Lunar Control
Click here for more discussion in the “Tour/Pre-release equipment” forum.
Although the specific terms of the deal were not disclosed, a source close to negotiations for McIlroy said his multi-year contract is worth at least $20 to $25 million per year. Speculation has been rampant that McIlroy would join Nike following his joint announcement with Titleist that he and the company would part ways on Dec. 31, 2012. Additionally, the Jumeriah Hotel Group, whose logo was prominently featured on the North Irishman’s hat, announced that it ended its endorsement deal with McIlroy on Jan. 8.
McIlroy said he’s been practicing with his new Nike gear since before Christmas, and was “blown away” with the research and development that goes into Nike golf equipment. He said the new Nike Covert Tour driver is “awesome,” and that he’s picked up distance with the new driver, increasing his ball speed from the mid 170s to 180 mph.
As expected, McIlroy will change to a Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 3 wood and 5 wood, Nike VR Pro irons and wedges. What was not expected was that McIlroy will use one of the company’s Method putters, a prototype 006 model.
“I was blown away by the groove technology,” McIlroy said. “I’m very happy with the new putter.”
McIlroy also said that he was impressed with the company’s 20XI X golf ball, which features a resin core that McIlroy said makes the ball extremely stable in the wind.
Cindy Davis, president of Nike Golf, who led the media event, said the signing of McIlroy is one of the most excited times at Nike since the company committed to the golf business with the signing of Tiger Woods.
“Rory is an extraordinary athlete who creates enormous excitement with his on-course performance while, at the same time, connecting with fans everywhere,” Davis said. “He is the epitome of a Nike Athlete, and he is joining our team during the most exciting time in Nike Golf’s history. We are looking forward to partnering with him to take his remarkable career to the next level.”
At the event, McIlroy emerged from a light show that showed projections of himself and walked down a long runway to hug Davis. He stood by his golf bag in a Nike hat, golf shirt, pullover, shoes and a pair of blue jeans as photographer’s snapped photos. McIlroy then took questions from Davis, as well as from media members who were in attendance. Davis and McIlroy refused to comment on specifics of the deal, and McIlroy would not say if the deal mandated that he used one of the company’s putters.
During the Q&A session, Nike athletes Wayne Rooney (soccer — Manchester United), Roger Federer (tennis) and Tiger Woods welcomed McIlroy to the team with a video message. Nike co-founder and chairman Phil Knight also welcomed McIlroy to the team.
Below is the video as well as photos from the commercial, “No Cup is Safe,” which was previewed at the event.
[youtube id=”2NCDYjHtEcU” width=”620″ height=”360″]
McIlroy is biggest of Nike Golf’s five signings in 2013, which include Nick Watney, Kyle Stanley, Thorbjorn Olesen and Seung Yul Noh. Below is a breakdown of their age, countries and Official World Golf Ranking as of Jan. 13, 2013. All the golfers are currently ranked in the top-100 in the OWGR and have an average age below 25.
Rory McIlroy
- Age: 23
- Country: Northern Ireland
- OWGR: 1
Nick Watney
- Age: 31
- Country: United States
- OWGR: 21
Thorbjorn Olesen
- Age: 23
- Country: Denmark
- OWGR: 51
Kyle Stanley
- Age: 25
- Country: United States
- OWGR: 80
Seung Yul Noh
- Age: 21
- Country: South Korea
- OWGR: 99
Cameron Young’s WITB from his win at the 2025 Wyndham Championship. Cameron is a Titleist staff player but his bag is definitely filled with some unique clubs. Here are the clubs he used to secure his first PGA Tour win!
Driver: Titleist GT2 (9 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Pro Orange 70 TX
3-wood: Titleist GT3 (15 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 80 TX
Hybrid: Titleist GT2 (21 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus HB Black VeloCore+ 10 X
Irons: Titleist T200 (4), Titleist T100 (5), Titleist 631.CY Prototype (6-9)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold X7 (4-9)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (48-10F, 52-12F, 56-14F @57), WedgeWorks (60-K* @62)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold X7
Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom 9.5 Tour Prototype
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x Prototype
- Peter Malnati what’s in the bag accurate as of the Wyndham Championship. More photos from the event here.
Driver: Titleist GT3 (10 degrees, C2 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Project X Denali Blue 60 TX
3-wood: Titleist GT3 (15 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 7 X
7-wood: Titleist GT2 (21 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 8 X
Irons: Titleist T150 (4, 5), Titleist T100 (6-9)
Shafts: True Temper AMT Tour White X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (48-10F @47, 52-12F, 56-08M @57, 60-04T @62)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Putter: Scotty Cameron Studio Style Fastback 1.5 Tour Prototype
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x Yellow
We’re proud to once again partner with 2nd Swing Golf to bring you GolfWRX Members Choice 2025! 2nd Swing has more than 150,000 new and pre-swung golf clubs available in six store locations and online. Check them out here.
What is the best driver in 2025? At GolfWRX, we take great pride in our online community and the cumulative knowledge and experience of our members. When it comes to the best driver of 2025, we want to know what our forum faithful think.
Since our founding in 2005, the bedrock of GolfWRX.com has been the community of passionate and knowledgeable golfers in our forums, and we put endless trust in the opinions of our GolfWRX members — the most knowledgeable community of golfers on the internet. No other group of golfers in the world tests golf clubs as frequently or as extensively, nor is armed with such in-depth information about the latest technology.
Below are the results of GolfWRX member voting for the 2025 best driver, along with the vote percentage for each club.
Best driver of 2025: The top 5
5. Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond: 6.02%
Callaway’s pitch: “For golfers looking for a fast, forgiving, yet workable driver, the Elyte Triple Diamond features a tour-inspired shape and is the preferred model by most Callaway tour players.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond here.
4. Ping G440 Max: 6.86%
Ping’s pitch: “The most forgiving G440 model, MAX has a hotter face to generate speed and distance, and a lighter overall system weight with a longer shaft (46″) for faster clubhead speed, higher launch and longer carries. The Free Hosel and Carbonfly Wrap crown save weight to create our lowest CG ever and increase forgiveness while contributing to a more muted, pleasing sound.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Ping G440 Max here.
3. Ping G440 LST: 9.53%
Ping’s pitch: “LST is an especially good fit for faster swings, offering less spin and more control with a penetrating trajectory. A hotter face, lighter overall system weight and longer shaft (46″) deliver more speed and distance while maintaining tight dispersion.”
@phizzy30: “Not a fan of Ping drivers in general, but 440 LST takes the cake. It’s super forgiving across the face for a low spin head, looks and sounds good and the ability to make it play neutral or slightly fade biased through the hosel settings is very appealing.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Ping G440 LST here.
2. Titleist GT3: 16.55%
Titleist’s pitch: “The GT3 Driver offers Titleist’s boldest combination of power and personalization through adjustable performance. Dial in the CG Track to your frequent contact location to make your biggest drives even bigger while taking total control over flight and shaping.”
@mrmikeac: “I’ve been Anti-Titleist for years and years and years (outside of Vokey, of course). With that being said, HOLY BEGEEZUS the GT3 driver is an absolute NUCLEAR MONSTER! This thing blew my G430 10K Max out of the water in every single category. Forgiveness is the biggest thing that stands out of me, the 3 model has always been one of the less forgiving models in the past but this GT3 can take bad shot after bad shot and still end up in the fairway, I think a ton of that has to do with the adjustability, it’s actually effective. Feel and sound is perfect, that solid crack is so addicting to hear and when you hit it out the screws this thing can absolutely bomb it. Titleist, I’m sorry for doubting you. You have converted me.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Titleist GT3 here.
1. Titleist GT2: 22.91%
Titleist’s pitch: “Delivering impressive distance from any impact point, the Titleist GT2 Driver extracts maximum performance through a forgiving design. Get the stability and added confidence of a high-MOI driver without sacrificing speed.”
@DTorres: “The Titleist GT2 has proven to be the best driver of the year. Packaged in a classic profile, GT2 perfectly balances performance and forgiveness while consistently being a high performer across all categories.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Titleist GT2 here.
Other drivers receiving >2% of the vote
| Driver | Vote percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Cobra DS Adapt Max K | 4.85% |
| Ping G430 Max 10K | 3.85% |
| Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond | 3.68% |
| TaylorMade Qi35 | 3.51% |
| Callaway Elyte | 3.18% |
| Cobra DS Adapt X | 2.34% |
| Cobra DS Adapt LS | 2.17% |
| TaylorMade Qi35 LS | 2.17% |
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Peter Malnati WITB 2025 (August)
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Rich
Jan 19, 2013 at 12:22 pm
Well guys, we all waited for the Rory and Tiger show…… I counted a handful of good shots between them and witnessed some of the poorest drives in tournament golf. A disappointing advert for Nike, although Olesen looks comfortable with his change.
Phil
Jan 17, 2013 at 5:51 am
Titleist and oakley must be having a good laugh after the 1st round in Dubai.
Lee
Jan 16, 2013 at 12:48 pm
I agree the ball will be the biggest challenge but then again certain Companies are not adverse to blowing over the logo’s on the Pro V and putting their own branding in place. In fact it’s often done with irons/wedges as well.
chad
Jan 16, 2013 at 1:18 am
This is ALL MARKETING people. He hasn’t hit a shot yet. McIlroy will have to make adjustments to the new equipment but he’s #1 in the world for a reason, so he’ll be fine. Anyone can adjust to a new driver. We all buy a new one every year or two. Blades are blades they’re all pretty similar. The challenge will be the ball. Most pro’s play Titleist ProV’s for a legit reason- they are the classic that they are all used to. That will be the challenge for Rory. But there is no one best equipment company. Golf is all about personal preference and what suits the eye/feel.
ned
Jan 16, 2013 at 1:15 am
Blades are blades- Visually is the only real difference- I rotate 5 sets, with slightly different setups, loft lie, bounce, SW, length, and flex- all spined with different grips. 681’s, with TourX, Staff FG51 tour issue, Maxfli Aussie blk dot, Mp 29’s & 14s w 6.5 & XL100, 695mb Tx1s, and occasionally CG1’s XL100 pga pros.
Also play 7.0 1025 VIP, and TP Rac Smoke 6.5s, and 680’s dg100-
The 681 and Fg 51’s, have the best feel- and the Nike Tiger Limited editions are a close third- Rory can handle any blade they throw at him. The Sumo 2 Fw are excellent, almost as long as the r7 tp ts, with better accuracy! FWIW.
Troy Vayanos
Jan 15, 2013 at 5:05 pm
The big question now will be how Rory plays with Nike over 2013. It is a big gamble by Rory changing over from clubs he plays so well.
It’s amazing to read he says he has already picked up more distance, that’s scary for the rest of world golf.
There’s going to be a lot of spotlight on every shot he plays this year so I hope the adjustment goes smoothly. He’s such a level headed young man I’m sure the transaction will go fantastic.
Can’t wait to see him play in 2013!
Spencer
Jan 14, 2013 at 8:24 pm
new VR Pro II Blades??
BizMark
Jan 14, 2013 at 8:23 pm
Rory’s equipment change was bound to happen. Both Tiger and Sergio played Titleist clubs in the beginning of their professional careers. Eventually as they got big, Tiger switched to Nike’s and Sergio switched to Taylormade’s. I would argue that Rory’s the same case. The Mcilroy brand is largely expendable and needs to meet a company that matches. Nike is a giant in the marketing world and has the power to make him a not just a golf icon, but a “sports” icon.
In my opinion, the other reason is actually the equipment. Nike has recently been putting out innovative and quality-made equipment, such as the VRS Covert woods and the Pro Combo irons. The driver/fairway wood’s cavity back design is very creative, and modifying the old combo set resulted in a very sleek successor (especially in the mid-long irons).
With the company also acquiring Kyle Stanley, Seung Yul Noh, Nick Watney, and Thorbjorn Olesen, it’s apparent that they’ve been growing drastically as a serious competitor in the golfing market.
harrold
Jan 14, 2013 at 4:02 pm
why does everyone hate on nike equipment, the vr pro blades are just the same as 712’s and are forged in the same factory as muzuno blades. The wedges are forged and are a quality wedge and their woods are now some of the best on the market. Why are golfers determined to hate any brand that isnt titleist, open your eyes to the market.
Chris Voshall
Jan 15, 2013 at 2:56 pm
Harrold….They Nike’s are not forged in the same factory as the Mizunos! They are an exclusive Mizuno forging house! And before you ask how I know…it’s because I have been there!
Rory's the King
Jan 15, 2013 at 11:02 pm
Chris… Even if you’ve been there don’t mean you know much. Don’t think you listened much in the factory if you did go there. Does Endo ring a bell? nike is an Endo Forged and you couldn’t even tell the difference. Enjoy the Tiger and Rory show.
Tyler
Jan 14, 2013 at 1:55 pm
There is a difference between the clubs the pros play and the clubs us average joes play. The clubs available in the tour trucks are built to exact tolerances and most are custom fabricated. Not to mention they can use whichever shafts they choose, they aren’t stuck with a proprietary shaft. I think that’s why you see tour pros switching equipment companies every other week without much consequence. Switching to another brand may have been an issue 20 years ago, but these days the technology and manufacturing are mostly identical from one manufacturer to the next so that it really doesn’t bother the pros.
Josh
Jan 14, 2013 at 12:53 pm
Ummmmm, I do there Nuke.
Nuke LaLoosh
Jan 14, 2013 at 12:37 pm
I’d play Nike for 20 million but I would not pay for it. Have you ever seen anyone beside the pros play Nike stuff?
Grim
Jan 14, 2013 at 12:42 pm
I play Nike stuff and I play it because it is the best equipment for my game.
The VR LTD woods are long and easy to hit, plus look classic, and I play the VR Pro wedges because I like the set up, they are forged, and the ones I got will rust and look great with my MB2s.
Half the people who hate on Nike have obviously never tried them or got fit properly.
Huge
Jan 14, 2013 at 8:26 pm
.NIKE is without doubt the most technologically advanced equipment out there ..get on it!
Blanco
Jan 14, 2013 at 8:02 pm
Yes all the time. Several of the fairways esp. the Sumo 2 is EXTREMELY popular with guys playing for Titleist, PING, TMAG… Non staffers also playing the VR Forged wedges and Method putters.
You know the media machine has you when you build a rock-solid opinion about something you’ve never tried and know nothing about.
Brandell
Jan 15, 2013 at 10:56 pm
Totally agree… People make me laugh. What makes them believe that Nike is the crapy company out there?! I work on the inside of the biz and I’m more likely to think that TMAG is the biggest BS company in the industry! What loads of crap to make consumers think the will gain 17 + 10 With their nice white racing stripped clubs?! Wow! Wake up people, these guys are putting you asleep with their strong pitching wedges and extra inches in shaft lengths! Nike is a dominating Brand in all sports! Face it, realize it and enjoy the show that will unfold in a few days in Abu Dhabi with the two biggest stars of the game!
Brandell
Jan 14, 2013 at 9:58 pm
Things will change my friend…. Just wait. You think people play that Ugly white thing for the right reasons. Just remember, Nike is very young in the golf Biz. They will own it before you know it. Just enjoy the show. Starts this weekend.
evan
Mar 31, 2013 at 1:55 am
nike makes the best clubs on the market….GET OVER IT
Golfer123
Jan 14, 2013 at 12:06 pm
I like him better with titleist
Brandell
Jan 14, 2013 at 9:55 pm
What is their to like more about him with Titleist? A sweet Nascar Look and some Ugly shoes!? Camon man… The guy looks like the biggest star in the SWOOSH. love everything about it. Good for him. He will smoke it with the COVERT.
Rufiolegacy
Jan 14, 2013 at 10:27 am
This is going to be a big year for Nike, and the Covert. Can’t wait to get my hands on that thing!
GolfDose
Jan 14, 2013 at 10:19 am
Can’t believe he would change all 14 of his clubs. Who knows he might turn out to something as big as Dustin Johnson first win of 2013 and R1 Taylormade on Tour.
Hula_Rock
Jan 14, 2013 at 10:11 am
Interesting , A 10.5 degree COVERT ?????
GolfDose
Jan 14, 2013 at 10:16 am
10.5 neutral setting. Maybe he’s going to set it lower?
Ron
Jan 14, 2013 at 10:27 am
about 60% of tour pros use 10.5 drivers. its all about carry distance
Chris
Jan 14, 2013 at 3:15 pm
Well, there’s no dancing around it. Nike made it’s move at the right time and with great excitement. This move should motivate other manufacturers to press the envelope in building a team that can be just as dynamic. All in all, I hope this turns out to be good for golf as a whole.