As speculation continues to swirl with Nike rumors, yesterday Acushnet (Titliest & FootJoy) made this announcement.
Acushnet Company, which manufactures the Titleist and FootJoy brands, and Rory McIlroy, jointly announced today that McIlroy’s relationship with Acushnet will not extend beyond December 31, 2012. McIlroy has trusted Titleist and FootJoy equipment throughout his professional career that commenced as an 18-year old in September 2007.
“Our goal has been to provide Rory with the best equipment and service that would help him be the best player he could possibly be,” said Wally Uihlein, Chief Executive Officer, Acushnet Company. “He has been a great ambassador for the Titleist and FootJoy brands, and in turn, we are proud of how our equipment has contributed to his success. We wish Rory all the best, both personally and professionally, going forward.”
“I would like to thank Wally Uihlein and all of the tour staff and employees at Titleist and FootJoy for everything they have done for me since I turned professional in 2007,” said McIlroy. “I have enjoyed five very exciting and successful years with the company and I will always appreciate the contribution Titleist has made in helping me become the player I am today.”
Join Us in the THP Forum As We Discuss This Latest News
Pretty well said on both sides. Glad this didnt end ugly (at least to the public), like some other situations have looked in the past.
Wow, this is the second largest equipment move in golf I think. Rory will do well with whomever he goes with, he’s a great player and he’s going to succeed no matter what he plays.
Still a bit surprised that Titleist would not do what it takes to keep Rory on their staff. Nike has more funds to spend, but when you have this caliber of player on staff, you do what it takes to keep them.
Wow wow Nike here he comes
Can’t say I’m surprised and I’m glad both parties made the announcement. Now the second half of the rumor needs to be put to bed. I wondering if the new driver launch has anything to do with Rory.
I am little surprised as well that Titleist/Footjoy wouldn’t want to keep him longer. But I think they both said some good things and hopefully they are parting on good terms.
I am not really surprised on this announcement. I am excited to see where he goes.
I really want to see where he goes. I think we all know but……
Is it me or do both sides seem a little sour
I’m surprised. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t, but boy does this ever open the door for speculation!!
I think it would be awesome if he went a route other than Nike just to throw a curve-ball.
Well, there ya go! Looking forward to the Tiger-Rory-Kobe-Lebron commercials! Although Does would make an ugly puppet.
-does +Rory … darn auto-correct
Mass chaos! Dogs and cats living together! Then end times!!!
Actually not shocked at all by this, I know we’re all thinking Nike, but I can’t help but wonder if TM will make a play.
I’m not shocked by this but it really is huge news. The age old saying “where there’s smoke…there’s fire” comes through again. We’ve been speculating this for a long time. Now….will he end up with Nike? I assume yes, but until it’s official you just never know.
Wow, this is huge news. Here comes Rory to Nike!
Jman, that is the second GhostBusters reference I have seen in 24 hours! I am glad to have been following the banter about this in the thread. Interesting to think TMAG may go after him… That would be a blow to Nike.
I’m not too surprised by this either. I’m glad it ended well for both parties. Would love to see Rory in a LeBron inspired “Decision” lol.
Yeah i’m glad this ended very amicably and didn’t turn ugly. Both parties have enjoyed a great relationship and this is the way it should end.
Will be very interesting to see who Rory signs with now. No Doubt the team at Nike are excited about the prospect of possibly having Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy both using their equipment.
I am also surprised that Titleist couldn’t come to some type of arrangement with him. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised , tho, because they let Tiger go, too.
I am shocked that Titleist would let him go. As big of an addition as this would be for Nike, I think It would be even bigger for Taylormade or Callaway.