McIlroy moves to Nike – why it’s risky:
Posted on: 21 November, 2012
Current world No 1 Rory McIlroy has expressed confidence that switching from current brand Titleist to Nike won’t see his performance levels drop. The unconfirmed deal is reportedly worth $250 million over a decade and is a hot topic among the golfing fraternity.
Now call me a sceptic, but I believe in the adage of ‘if it’s not broken, don’t fix it’ and we all know how golfers react when faced with new equipment. Players and new equipment don’t just gel overnight, even if you are blessed with oodles of talent. I’m not the most talented of golfers and it has taken me almost two months to fully understand the workings of a hybrid club that I acquired.
Misfiring McIlroy
Anyway, the point is that come first quarter of 2013, I predict we’re going to see a misfiring McIllroy. His shots could be errant and he may struggle with yardages. I may even be brave enough to suggest that he’ll lose his No 1 ranking purely on the grounds that he hasn’t got used to his new irons.While you may think that Mole is busy imbibing illicit substances, many in the golfing community, including six-time Major winner Nick Faldo, share my sentiments. Faldo has sparked some controversy by suggesting that McIlroy is only doing it for the cash. “The bottom line is he’s doing it for money,” Faldo said. “When he looks at a 20-year career it’s not necessary. If he carries on and wins more Majors he’ll be worth hundreds of millions anyway. Sure this is a wonderful guarantee, but Rory knows the biggest thing is winning golf tournaments,” said Faldo.
Equipment switching history
Take a look back at Sergio Garcia. A few years ago, the flamboyant Spaniard was sitting near the top rankings with his Titleist equipment, but a conflict of interest saw him switch to TaylorMade. It has taken Garcia quite some time to get back to this position. In fact, Corey Pavin switched clubs after winning the ’95 US Open and then struggled. The list goes on: Graeme McDowell and Jim Furyk recently switched and subsequently suffered.The 23-year-old Northern Irishman doesn’t seem concerned about switching. “I think all the manufacturers make great equipment nowadays and it’s all very similar – a lot of them get their clubs made at the same factories. I don’t think it will make any difference,” he said. Now is that confidence in your abilities, or borderline arrogance?
McIlroy starts his final round with his current Titleist clubs this week when he tees it up at the $8 million DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
Is it all about the money? Do you think we’ll see a misfiring McIlroy come 2013?
(Via Compleat Golfer)