The Rory Foundation will launch with the "6 Bags Project", in which McIlroy will have the name and logo of a children's charity emblazoned on his bag for the first six tournaments of the year.

The bags will then be auctioned online with proceeds going to the charity.

The announcement concides with his current sponsors Oakley set to launch legal proceedings against the 23-year-old, allegeding that he has breached his contract by signing up with sportswear giants Nike.

California-based Oakley claim that they had "right of first refusal" to sponsor the Northern Irishman, and when his contract with them expired on December 31 2012, their offer was ignored by McIlroy and his agent in favour of one from Nike.

"Oakley's contract with Rory has a right of first refusal that permits us to retain Rory as an Oakley endorser by matching any offer he receives covering our products," said a statement from the Luxottica Group-owned brand.

"These types of provisions are common in the industry.

"Oakley values Rory and will do all it can to retain him."

McIlroy is set to be sued by Oakley, who claim he breached his contract with them to sign with Nike

Nike's sponsorship of the world number one is expected to be announced on Monday in Abu Dhabi, and is thought to be a 10-year-contract worth $200 million (£124 million/€152 million).

McIlroy also decided not to renew his contract with another sponsor just two days ago, clearing the path for his new endorsement.

The Jumeirah Group, which own luxury hotels and residences across the world, announced that their contract with McIlroy would not be extended on Tuesday.

With the spotlight already heavily on the man from County Down as speculation grows as to which country he will represent at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, this tug-of-war between Nike and Oakley will certainly do little to avert the attention of the public or the media, though the launch of his Foundation may well help.

Winner of six golf majors Nick Faldo warned McIlroy in November 2012 that changing his brand of clubs was "dangerous" and claimed he was "doing it for the money" when rumours of his switch to Nike began to circulate. 

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