A little more than a week ago Darren Rovell caused a stir in the golf world when he reported that Nike had signed Jason Day to a contract to wear its apparel and footwear, while also maintaining that Day would continue to use TaylorMade golf equipment.
Overnight, TaylorMade did in fact announce it has re-signed Day (as well as Dustin Johnson) to contract extensions. Absent in the press release was any mention of Adidas apparel or footwear. However when Day showed up at East Lake Golf Club Wednesday, he was still wearing TaylorMade and Adidas branded clothing, hat and footwear. So while an agreement in principle might have been worked out between Day and Nike, it would stand to reason that if he had already signed with Nike that he would be decked out in the swoosh this week.
Day had very little to say about the matter when speaking to the media.
“Obviously, we’re renewing with TaylorMade, and it’s been – I think I’ve been with them 10 years, since I turned professional. It’s been amazing,” Day remarked. “To be able to renew and play the equipment and be successful with that equipment and know that equipment, I’m very excited about it.
“On the apparel, shoe side, I don’t have anything to share right now, but I’m really excited about the future. That’s all I have to kind of say right now.”
As most contracts in golf run through the end of the year, this is not a surprising development. However having Day and Johnson both off the open market when the free agent period starts certainly thins the desirable field. It’s also worth watching to see if Day’s new deal with TaylorMade opens up the opportunity for him to pursue the Nike deal prior to year-end.
Stay tuned.
