Nike Quits The Golf Equipment Game

One of the largest sports brands in the world is walking away from golf. Nike officially announced this past Wednesday that it will no longer manufacture clubs, balls or bags. Trevor Edwards, President of the Nike brand, came out and said “We’re committed to being the undisputed leader in golf footwear and apparel.” What does this mean for today’s golfers?

Rory McIlroy switched to Nike in 2013, after leaving the golf industry titan, Titleist. McIlroy ended up winning two majors using Nike gear. Tiger Woods is probably the most notable golfer sponsored by Nike. Being carried by the company since 1996, Woods will almost certainly start looking for other brands to use. And hey, maybe if he finds a new brand to play with, he might find some of the skill and talent that he used to have! Anything has to be a benefit for the once greatest of all-time golfer, right? All joking aside, I expect golf brands to be calling Woods soon, offering him some kind of sponsorship. While he may not be as successful now as in the past, the name “Tiger Woods” will carry a lot of weight for a golf brand.

While virtually every piece of golf equipment that Tiger Woods owns now is Nike, the Oregon company isn’t exactly favored by all the top golfers. In an interview with Golf Magazine, Phil Mickelson called Nike equipment “inferior” to other brands. Nick Faldo called McIlroy’s switch to Nike “dangerous” and “messing with a winning formula.”

While Nike isn’t exactly hurting for money, Yahoo! Finance reports that golf was Nike’s bottom category last year, even falling behind action sports and women’s training. The report also says the golf division sales have been on the decline over the past three years.

Don’t expect Nike to blink an eye over this loss. Their biggest rival, Adidas, is also dropping out of the golf equipment game. It looks like this market will be exclusively for the golf-only brands. With that being said, should a newer generation of youngsters ever make this sport more popular, don’t be shocked if Nike (or Adidas) jump right back into the mix. If Nike should ever start making clubs again, maybe they’ll consider moving their manufacturing plant from Texas to their home state, Oregon. It could be great for the state’s economy!

One logo that will always support the Beaver State is our very own Portland Tree Huggers! Oregon is one of the greenest states we have. Portland is one of the more eclectic cities in America, with a huge emphasis on the environment. Thus, the meanest hockey team in the northwest is born, the Portland Tree Huggers.

 

I wouldn’t want to skate against this tree. And if I did, I hope that it has more bark than bite. We think this Portland sports logo t-shirt will draw some attention when you wear this super soft, cool t-shirt tee around town. Plus, do you really want to drop gloves and fight this tree since technically the stick in his hands could be a relative?

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Blake Cole

T-Shirt Wearer

Sports Logo Lover