It's official: Rory McIlroy joins Tiger Woods at Nike

Rory McIlroy is now with Nike — from head to toe.

In an elaborate, high-tech ceremony Monday at the Fairmont Hotel in Abu Dhabi, Nike officially welcomed the world's No. 1 player into its family of golfers. McIlroy signed a multiyear deal with the company and the famous Swoosh will be found on his clubs, ball, footwear, glove, apparel, headwear and accessories.

"I've always associated Nike with the best," McIlroy said at the announcement. "Growing up, whether it was golf, tennis, football, the best athletes were with Nike. I've watched Tiger Woods make history with Nike, and Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal. Now I want to create my own history with Nike.

" … Nike is a company and a brand that really resonates with me. It's young. It's athletic. It's innovative. They are committed to being the best."

Terms of the deal were not released, but several reports have said it is in the neighborhood of $200 million to $250 million over 10 years. If the deal with Nike is confirmed at $250 million, it would be the most lucrative endorsement ever negotiated in golf.

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The 23-year-old Ulsterman makes his 2013 debut Thursday in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, where he is likely to be paired with fellow Nike player and former No. 1 Tiger Woods. Last year, McIlroy cemented his position as the top golfer in the world when he won five titles worldwide, including his second major championship at the PGA Championship. He also won money titles on the PGA Tour and European Tour, and he was voted Player of the Year on both sides of the Atlantic.

Woods, who won three times last year, is No. 2 in the world and stands at 14 major championships, four behind Jack Nicklaus' record.

McIlroy will be playing with the world's first high speed cavity back driver that conforms to USGA and R&A Rules — the Nike VR_S Covert.

"The driver is awesome," McIlroy said. "I'm really excited about the Nike equipment. I was blown away with the technology.

"As soon as I hit (the driver), I knew it was in my bag straight away."

Rounding out McIlroy's Nike Golf arsenal are the Nike VR Pro Limited Edition fairway woods, Nike VR Pro Blade irons, Nike VR Pro wedges and a Nike Method prototype putter. McIlroy will play Nike's new 20XI golf ball. He will wear Nike apparel and the new Nike Lunar Control footwear.

"I've been testing all the way through Christmas. I've been practicing hard in the offseason. This equipment change has been seamless," McIlroy said. "I think I can take my game to another level."

It is McIlroy's first manufacturer change during his six-year career as a tour professional. McIlroy split with Titleist at the end of 2012 and earlier this year ended his relationship with Jumeirah, a Dubai-based luxury hotel company that was his first corporate sponsor. As well, another former sponsor, eye-glasses giant Oakley, is suing McIlroy and Nike for breach of contract.

Cindy Davis, president of Nike Golf, was in Abu Dhabi for the announcement.

"The reason we get the best athletes is because of our innovation," Davis said. "What we know about Tiger, and what is clear with Rory, is that they transcend golf and sports. They are great in the sport of golf, but they are great athletes and appeal to a broad audience the world over.

"What this will enable us to do is tell incredible stories. We're going to have fun with this. Since we signed Tiger, we now have had kids growing up playing Nike equipment. A whole new generation of players with Nike golf equipment. Tiger and Rory will help us continue to go that."

David Carter, executive director of the Sports Business Institute at USC Marshall School of Business, said the deal proves Nike is still willing to invest heavily in top-tier talent. In 1996, Nike signed Woods and has kept him with the company with two subsequent multimillion-dollar deals.

"They think that Rory might be a global icon," Carter said. "McIlroy's body of work suggests he's a low-level risk. He's about as safe a bet as Nike can make, and this puts him in rarefied air.

" … Nike's not looking at this as a domestic play. They see the global marketing value and they want to resonate around the globe. This is a real important signing for them to grow their business around the world."

McIlroy's performance with his new clubs will come under close scrutiny. Six-time major champion Nick Faldo is among many who have voiced concern over McIlroy's switch. Golf's history is littered with players making equipment changes and then struggling.

McIlroy, however, is not concerned.

"The driver is the best. The ball has been fantastic. All the clubs are great," he said. "I can't be happier with what's in my bag right now."