Rory McIlroy says he will continue to meet with Nike staff members as they try to find clubs suitable to his liking.
McIlroy switched to Nike from Titleist in January after signing a 10-year deal believed to be worth $250 million. He has not won a tournament since making the switch. Some people cautioned that making such a big change could be bad for his career, and some of the concerns appear to be warranted thus far.
[Related: Nick Faldo says Rory McIlroy’s switch to Nike is dangerous]
In his last four tournaments, McIlroy missed the cut at the Irish Open, finished 41st at the US Open, 57th at the Memorial, and he missed the cut at the BMW PGA Championship. He did finish eighth at The Players in May and 10th at the Wells Fargo Championship.
McIlroy says the process of working with Nike to find the right driver is continuing.
“I am spending more time with Nike’s technical staff as this was a new driver I had in the bag this week but it still wasn’t 100 per cent what I want,” McIlroy said, via the AFP. “So I am testing with them again next week.
“I am still confident in my ability to hit the golf ball and hit good shots but then confidence comes from hitting good shots and seeing the ball go in the hole, and shooting good rounds and posting good results.”
McIlroy is not scheduled to play in an event before the British Open. He revealed that he has a family commitment in addition to his meeting with Nike that will prevent him from playing.
McIlroy initially went back to his old putter after switching clubs, though he is currently playing with all Nikes. It’s evident that the switch has provided a hitch in his career. Will he overcome it and work with Nike to get it right? Most likely, but, for now, the switch appears to be creating a setback in his career.
