The news this week that Rory McIlroy has replaced Tiger Woods as the face of EA Sports’ blockbuster PGATour golf game is an indication that the tide has fully turned off and well as on the course for both players.
Woods has fronted the game for the past 13 years, during which time it has amassed total sales revenues of approaching €1 billion. Payment to the players involved is based on a share of royalties and it is no exaggeration to suggest that the new deal for McIlroy will be worth an easy €100 Million over the coming years. Not bad work for what might amount to little more in terms of time than a photoshoot a year.
Woods remains a powerhouse in terms of earnings. He features in a double page spread in the latest issue of The Economist but the emphasis is on his approach to new challenges, as opposed to the 18th green.
This year he will likely exit the world’s Top 100 golfers and the EA Sports deal is an indicator that among the princes of the fairway who will bid to fill his shoes as one who transcends the sport, McIlroy is the clear favourite.
In Ireland of course he is guaranteed star recognition but this is more about the US market and while Nike’s endorsement from two years ago, alongside Woods was a pointer, this is arguably the point at which the takeover is complete.
He will bring his star appeal to Hollywood in County Down in May for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open. His presence there and support of the tournament through his Rory Foundation being the official host played an immeasurable part in landing the new headline sponsor.
The glow he casts will be a winner for Irish golf and Irish sports tourism over a long period of time. As a sporting nation we should enjoy him while we can. A star as bright as this on the world stage does not come around too often.
