Sometimes, you just can’t do it, even if you’re Nike. The largest sports brand in the world announced Wednesday afternoon they are exiting the golf equipment business.
BREAKING: Nike announces it is ending its golf equipment business. No more clubs, balls or bags. Business just way to challenging.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) August 3, 2016
In a statement released on their website, the Beaverton, Ore.-based company laid out a rough sketch of where we could still expect to see the Swoosh on the course.
NIKE, Inc. announced today that it will accelerate innovation in its Golf footwear and apparel business and will partner with more of the world’s best golfers. With this new focus, Nike Golf will transition out of equipment — including clubs, balls and bags.
“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 next step for Nike and their staffers is to figure out how this transition will affect their already-written equipment contracts.
One thing to note: Press release says “transitioning” out. May not be immediate. Remember that equipment is designed years in advance.
— Jonathan Wall (@jonathanrwall) August 3, 2016
Nike staffers include the likes of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, Michelle Wie, Tony Finau, Paul Casey and Suzann Petterson among many others.
Sad for @nikegolf employees that worked so hard and made genuinely great golf equipment. Your support will always be appreciated #TeamNike
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) August 4, 2016
———
Be sure to follow us on Twitter @SwingbySwing and Like Us on Facebook.
