Mac the Nike: Rory eyes titles in €200m deal

Rory McIlroy insisted Major titles matter more to him than money after taking a massive step towards becoming one of the biggest earners in sporting history last night.

McIlroy has just signed a multi-year sponsorship deal with Nike.

And although details of the deal were not revealed, it has been widely reported to be a 10-year contract worth as much as €200m if the world number one, previously sponsored by Titleist, goes on winning Majors.

The 23-year-old from Co Down will use Nike’s full range of equipment, with the clubs in competitive action for the first time in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship later this week against a field including the other leading golf name in Nike colours, 14-major winner and world number two Tiger Woods.

And despite concerns expressed by the likes of Nick Faldo about the change of clubs, McIlroy is firmly focused on quickly adding to his current haul of two Major titles.

“I don’t play golf for the money, I am well past that,” McIlroy said in Abu Dhabi.

“I’m a Major champion and world number one, which I have always dreamed of being, and feel this is a company that can help me sustain that and win even more Major titles.

“At the end of 2013, if I have not won another Major I will be disappointed.”

Cindy Davis, president of Nike Golf, refused to discuss details of McIlroy’s contract, including whether there were any “behaviour” clauses, given previous problems with Nike athletes Woods and Lance Armstrong.

However, Ms Davis added: “Rory is an extraordinary athlete who creates enormous excitement with his on-course performance while, at the same time, connecting with fans everywhere.”

McIlroy added: “I began testing the clubs late last year at the Nike factory in Fort Worth, Texas, and I could not be more happy.”