Thursday 4 August 2016 13:04, UK
Nike has announced it is to stop producing golf equipment in a move that means Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy will have to search for a new supplier of clubs and balls.
The American company is to devote its resources to making golf shoes and clothing rather than clubs, balls and bags.
"We're committed to being the undisputed leader in golf footwear and apparel," said Trevor Edwards, president of Nike Brand. "We will achieve this by investing in performance innovation for athletes and delivering sustainable profitable growth for Nike Golf."
Woods has been with Nike since he turned professional in 1996, while McIlroy signed a 10-year deal with the Beaverton, Oregon-based firm in 2013, which is reportedly worth around £155m.
McIlroy responded to the news on Twitter, writing: "Sad for @nikegolf employees that worked so hard and made genuinely great golf equipment. Your support will always be appreciated #TeamNike."
Woods has gone more than a year without playing because of back problems, although his agent at Excel Sports Management said he would remain "the iconic ambassador" for Nike Golf, just with a smaller group of products.
"He's been the most loyal ambassador and longest standing for Nike Golf. That doesn't change," agent Mark Steinberg said.
"It just means he'll likely have some different equipment in the bag, whether that's tomorrow, next month or a year from now. Tiger and I have been talking about this the last couple of days. We have a very sophisticated, legitimate plan in place and we're going to see it through."
Brooks Koepka, who tied for fourth in the PGA Championship, Charl Schwartzel, Francesco Molinari and Paul Casey are other players to have deals with Nike, while Suzann Pettersen and Michelle Wie are among its clients on the LPGA Tour.
