McIlroy edges closer to sealing $200m Nike deal

World number one Rory McIlroy’s expected transition to Nike will be made easier with confirmation he has been working with the new clubs and ball since the Ryder Cup.

A formal announcement will be made shortly with McIlroy set to sign a reputed $200m (€155m) deal to switch the golf equipment and clothing company sporting a ‘swoosh’.

And while McIlroy will be among five new Nike signings, it’s believed Nike has also enticed one of Cleveland/Srixon’s chief designers to also make the switch and work exclusively with McIlroy.

But after posting a six under par 66 on the opening day of the season-ending DP World Tour Championship Dubai to trail just a shot behind World number two Luke Donald, McIlroyindicated he’s already found favour with a full set of 14 clubs and the only issue remains the golf ball.

“After the Ryder Cup I started to test a little bit but then I’ve six or seven weeks to really get into it but I am pretty much set with everything,” he said.

“It’s just a matter of getting a little more comfortable and playing a few rounds with them and I should be okay.”

And contrary to Nick Faldo’s comments that McIlroy will struggle making the change, the two-time Major winning McIlroy disagreed.

“I’m very confident they will get it spot on and I feel like with the changes I have made in equipment that I have got into using clubs a little easier than other players.

“I’ve got a set of irons and I’ve got the woods sorted and it’s just a matter of getting the ball dialled in and I will be good.

“But it’s the feel of the golf ball I find is the most important thing to get right because all the manufacturers make great equipment these days.”