Nike made a surprising announcement saying that the sports apparel company will no longer be selling golf equipment.
Nike is getting out of the golf game.
The sports apparel giant announced on Wednesday that it would be exiting the golf equipment business. The company will no longer be selling golf balls, golf bags and clubs, but will continue to sell shoes and apparel with the plan to reposition its brand in the golf industry.
“We’re committed to being the undisputed leader in golf footwear and apparel,” Nike brand president Trevor Edwards said in an official press release. “We will achieve this by investing in performance innovation for athletes and delivering sustainable profitable growth for Nike Golf.”
The recent news comes as a big surprise to Nike athletes who endorse the company, especially golfers like Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods. The athletes will still be sponsored by the sports apparel company, but will have to look elsewhere for their balls, clubs and bags. McIlroy took to Twitter to react to the news.
Sad for @nikegolf employees that worked so hard and made genuinely great golf equipment. Your support will always be appreciated #TeamNike
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) August 4, 2016
For now, the athletes will continue to be sponsored by Nike, but it isn’t clear what the future holds for these endorsements now that the company is backing out of the golf equipment market.
Nike will likely continue to focus on its much larger markets, especially with basketball and football. The NFL season is about to begin as well, which will mean a much stronger marketing push for football-related products such as cleats and apparel.
Keep an eye out for any more news regarding Nike and their golf endorsements.
