Why is Rory McIlroy wearing Adidas at the Olympics?

Rory McIlroy’s last competitive appearance on the golf course was the second round of The Open Championship where he missed the cut.

On that miserable Friday at Royal Troon, McIlroy donned the famous Nike tick on a burgundy jumper, like he always does. He has long been a Nike athlete and has worn the company’s golf clothing on the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour since 2013.

But at the Olympic Games in Paris this week, McIlroy is wearing Adidas gear as he aims for the gold medal at Le Golf National. But why is this the case? It seems alien now that the four-time major champion wears anything but Nike.

Well, Team Ireland’s official kit is produced by Adidas, so this is why the 35-year-old is wearing the brand. McIlroy and his Irish teammate Shane Lowry are representing Ireland at this year’s Summer Olympics in France.

In April, it was also announced that McKeever Sports was selected as the official kit supplier for Team Ireland at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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Rory McIlroy Adidas switch made in Paris, but what about everyone else?

You might notice several differences in the players’ clothing this week. Scottie Scheffler, usually wearing Nike like McIlroy, is wearing J.Lindeberg gear with the rest of his four-man Team USA squad.

Scheffler’s teammate and two-time major winner in 2024 Xander Schauffele signed a new golf wear deal with Descente at the beginning of the year, but he is wearing J.Lindeberg for this week.

Tommy Fleetwood is a Nike man but like his Northern Irish Ryder Cup teammate and partner, he is wearing Adidas with his fellow Team GB competitor Matt Fitzpatrick.

Ludvig Aberg of Sweden, who made his debut at all four major championships in 2024, is also making his debut at the Olympic Games and gunning for gold alongside Alex Noren. He usually wears his Adidas gear but, instead, wears UNIQLO this week.

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