GOLF’S $300 MILLION MAN

THERE is a very good reason why Rory McIlroy is all smiles in this photo.

Having just married long-time girlfriend Erica Stoll, the Northern Irishman then inked a deal with TaylorMade to use its clubs, bag and ball for the next decade for a reported $100 million. He began using the gear at last month’s Players Championship.

When Nike pulled the pin on making golf equipment last year, McIlroy began testing a range of other brands before settling on TaylorMade in late April. He is, however, still a Nike apparel player for the next 10 years, which will add another $200 million to the coffers.

When you also add long-term sponsorship deals with Santander, Omega and Bose, McIlroy will bank AU$81.5 million in 2017 without cashing a tournament prize cheque.

“I tested extensively after Augusta, worked with the TaylorMade guys and the ball, and thought, ‘Wow, this is what I need, this is exactly the thing that I’ve been struggling with’.

“I came to the conclusion that was the best way for me to try to get back to World No.1, to try to win more majors. You know, I’ve been on tour for 10 years.

“It’s very rare that you get excited about your equipment – but I am. With the marriage and everything, it’s a new chapter in my life, and I really feel with the new equipment as well, it’s hopefully going to take me to that next level.”

Meanwhile, and just days after revealing the McIlroy signing, Adidas announced it had sold its golf equipment brands – TaylorMade, Adams Golf and Ashworth Golf – to KPS Capital Partners LP in a deal reported to be US$425 million.