McIlroy stars with Woods in new Nike commercial

By Tom Degun

January 15 - After signing a record ten-year deal with Nike reported to be worth £150 million ($241 million/€180 million), Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy has appeared in an advert with his new sponsors alongside Tiger Woods.

Woods has long been the face of Nike Golf but McIlroy's agreement has significantly eclipsed the American's £124 million ($199 million/€149 million) ten-year with the Oregon-based sports equipment giant.

Having announced the new deal with McIlroy in Abu Dhabi, Nike have wasted little time in pairing their two huge stars together in a new commercial titled "No Cup is Safe".

The commercial sees current world number one McIlroy and world number two Woods in a contest in which they take it in turns to beat each other by making amazing shots into a variety of different cups.

The 60 second commercial is designed to showcase the athletic competitiveness, remarkable talents and playful attitudes of the two best golfers in the world and McIlroy admitted he thoroughly enjoyed shooting his first Nike commercial with Woods.

"I'm genuinely excited about the first Nike TV ad I will be appearing in as a Nike athlete," said the 23-year-old two-time major winner from County Down."

"The theme of the ad is really cool and it's a great way to kick off my career at Nike."

Rory McIlroy (left) and Tiger Woods (right) have starred in their first commercial together for Nike

Woods was equally thrilled at working with McIlroy in the commercial that highlights the friendly competition between the two biggest stars in the sport.

"I really like the ad," said the 37-year-old from California.

"It shows the fun side of us and I had a good time shooting it."

Woods has also expressed his delight at seeing McIlroy join him at Nike.

"He has had a tremendous year, won a major championship and on top of that came to our Nike family," said the 14-time major winner.

"So it's been a big switch for him.

"I believe he's just moved down to West Palm [in Florida], as well.

"So a lot of things are certainly changing in his life and I've kind of been there and understand it.

"We've certainly hit it off.

"Our relationship has grown and our friendship has gotten better."

The new commercial is set to air this month from tomorrow until January 21 on ESPN and The Golf Channel in the United States and on Sky Sports in Europe.