Now, it’s anyone’s guess who’ll be wearing what when the 2017 PGA Tour season begins.

It’s been about six weeks since the global sporting giant announced its exit from the golf equipment business, and the industry questioned its relevancy in a somewhat stagnant yet also increasingly competitive marketplace.

We didn’t have to wait long for Nike’s response, and now its plan has been laid bare.

In signing Jason Day to a deal worth a reported $10 million a year and around $100 million in total, the world’s biggest apparel and footwear company is aggressively chasing majors.

For well over a decade Nike really only needed one golf sponsorship, as Tiger Woods swept all before him and delivered sponsorship exposure that made his record-breaking deal seem like pocket change.

But Woods’ major-winning days are all but over, leaving Rory McIlroy as the company’s golden hope.

Unfortunately for both parties, the Northern Irishman has been a major tournament afterthought over the past two seasons, with a record that includes a missed cut at the PGA Championship.

That’s not value for money for a company who’s paying anywhere between $100 million and $250 million (depending on who you believe) to have him wearing and using their gear. And while McIlroy is almost certain to win more majors before his career is through, when and where that will be is anyone’s guess.

And therein lies Nike’s problem.

Click here for the full article in Golf Australia Express.