Still no McIlroy for Nike, but Tour stars Watney, Stanley and Olesen sign up

Nike Golf will make a “major announcement” in Abu Dhabi on January 14 – expected to be the signing of World No.1 Rory McIlroy – but confirmed it has put pen to paper with two other former Titleist staffers. 

PGA Tour stars Nick Watney and Kyle Stanley, both out of contract, have joined Tiger Woods and co in the Nike stable signing multi-year contracts.

For 31-year-old Watney, it is the first equipment change in his ten-year professional career. The five-time Tour champion will be kitted out with swoosh-laden equipment through the whole bag, as well as wearing the brand’s apparel and footwear.

Stanley, 25, who announced himself to golf fans last year with a 72nd hole collapse at Torrey Pines before bouncing back to take his maiden title just seven days later, gets the full treatment as well.

Nike has also dipped into the European Tour talent pool, snapping up Thorbjørn Olesen. The Danish youngster, currently World No.50, made his breakthrough with a win in the 2012 Sicilian Open and bagged six other top tens to finish 15th in the 2012 Race to Dubai.

All three will use the brand’s new Covert driver.

Here’s a peek into Watney’s bag:

Driver: Nike VR_S Covert (11.5-degree, neutral)
Fairway Woods: Nike VR_S Covert 3-wood (14-degree) and 5-wood (18-degree)
Irons: Nike VR Pro Combo (3-PW)
Wedges: Nike VR Pro (55- and 59-degree)
Putter: Nike Method Prototype
Ball: Nike 20XI
Apparel: Nike Golf Tour Performance Collection
Footwear: Nike Lunar Control II

“I am excited to call myself a Nike athlete,” said Watney. “I am proud to wear the Swoosh because it’s the symbol of excellence across all sports and golf is no exception.”

This is what Stanley will be using:

Driver: Nike VR_S Covert (9.5-degree, neutral)
Fairway Wood: Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 3-wood (15-degree)
Irons: Nike VR Pro Combo (2), VR Pro Blades (3-9)
Wedges: Nike VR Pro (52-, 56- and 60-degree)
Ball: Nike 20XI X
Apparel: Nike Golf Tour Performance
Footwear: Nike Lunar Control II

“Nike is the most powerful sports company in the world,” said Stanley. “They want to have the best athletes on board and it’s an honour to be a part of that and represent them.”

And inside Olesen’s bag:

Driver: Nike VR_S Covert Tour (8.5-degree, neutral)
Fairway Wood: Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 3-wood (15-degree)
Irons: Nike VR_S Forged (2) and VR Pro Blades (3-9)
Wedges: Nike VR Pro (48- and 54-degree) and VR Pro Dual Sole (58-degree)
Putter: Nike Method 001
Ball: Nike 20XI
Apparel: Nike Golf Tour Performance and Sport Collection
Footwear: Nike Lunar Control II

“Nike is one of the most recognised and respected sport brands in the world,” said Olesen, a football fanatic who follows both FC Copenhagen and Manchester United. “I want to be with a company that focuses on developing products that help me perform at my best. To be part of a brand that respects but challenges the traditions of the game is an honor.”

Added Nike’s global director of sports marketing operations Mark Thaxton: “Nick is a tremendous athlete with a passion for sports and the Nike brand. He is a good, solid, consistent player and one of his main strengths is that he has no weaknesses, We are thrilled to welcome him to the Nike family.

“Kyle is a solid player with incredible talent. He’s a terrific ball striker with incredible confidence. We know Kyle will shine as a Nike Golf athlete and we are thrilled to welcome him to the Nike family.

“Thorbjørn’s ability is obvious and since his debut on Tour in 2011 he has shown the kind of consistency that creates champions.  We know he will make a great addition to our stable of Nike Golf athletes globally.”

Players leaving Nike for the new season include Gary Woodland, who moves to Callaway, while 2009 Open and US Open champions Stewart Cink and Lucas Glover have both signed for TaylorMade.

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