Nike says it will cease making golf equipment

Nike sends a major shock through the golf world after announcing it will stop making golf equipment.

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The world’s biggest sport company Nike have announced that they will no longer be manufacturing any golf equipment including golf clubs, golf balls and golf bags. The announcement came via a statement on their website that mentions some of the Nike sponsored golfers including Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Michelle Wie and says they will ditch golf equipment in favour of focusing on golf footwear and apparel.

“We’re committed to being the undisputed leader in golf footwear and apparel,” says Trevor Edwards, President, Nike Brand. “We will achieve this by investing in performance innovation for athletes and delivering sustainable profitable growth for Nike Golf.”

“Athletes like Tiger, Rory and Michelle drive tremendous energy for the game and inspire consumers worldwide,” says Daric Ashford, President of Nike Golf. “Over the past year the MM Fly Blade Polo, the Flyknit Chukka and Air Zoom 90 have all connected strongly with golfers. We’ll continue to ignite excitement with our athletes and deliver the best of Nike for the game.”

The fact no major winner has won with Nike clubs for a few years probably didn’t help matters, not to mention Tiger Woods’ injuries that has forced him out of the game. It also goes some way to explaining why Charl Schwartzel unexpectedly switched from Nike to new golf equipment maker PXG mid-season.

Nike never really gained a big share of the golf market despite having some of golf’s biggest names on its books but the announcement still comes as a major shock to the golf industry that is clearly suffering, particularly in the United States.