Rooney and McIlroy go head to head ‘Straight Down the Middle’

If only every round of golf could be as entertaining as Nike’s latest advert entitled ‘Straight Down the Middle’.

In the new campaign, Rory McIlroy and Wayne Rooney, go head to head in an orthodox game which features the new Nike Ordem Football.

It’s all neck and neck as they head down the 18th, when another familiar face, Brazilian legend Ronaldo, makes a telling intervention.

The pair, who developed a strong friendship, discussed the challenges of their professions during filming, McIlroy claiming taking a penalty for Manchester United to win a Champions League shoot-out would be tougher than having to sink a Major winning putt.

“I think the most pressure would be the Champions League final,” 24-year-old McIlroy said. “Trying to hole a winning putt for a major is very pressurised as well but I’m not part of a team, I’m not letting down other people if I don’t score that penalty. I think having the last penalty in the Champions League final to win, not just for yourself but for your team-mates brings a little more pressure.”

And Rooney’s view? “It depends. For me it would be the Champions League final and for Rory it would be the putt. They’re both tough but it would be great to be in that position and to have that opportunity. They’re both high-pressured events and, hopefully, one day we’ll be able to see that happen.”

Rooney heaped praise on the 24-year-old who ended his title drought with victory in the Australia Open. Rooney said: “From what I’ve seen of Rory’s game, he’s aggressive. He takes the pin on when maybe some players don’t and I think they’re the players you want to watch. He’s still a young lad and to be so successful at such a young age is incredible.