published: Aug 1, 2024

Why is Rory McIlroy wearing Adidas at the Olympics?

Matt Chivers

Rory McIlroy has long been a Nike athlete and donned the famous logo on his clothing, but he isn’t in Paris…

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.

ALSO: Your comprehensive guide to Golf at the 2024 Olympics in Paris

ALSO: Why does Rory McIlroy play for Ireland, not Great Britain and Northern Ireland?

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.

NOW READ: Olympic Golf tee times for Round Two: When do the Team GB members start on Friday?

NOW READ: Here is the Olympic Golf TV schedule…

What did you make of the Rory McIlroy Adidas Olympics gear? Like it? Tell us on X!

About the author

Matt Chivers

Matt has been playing golf since the age of 13 and was largely inspired to take up the game by countless family members who played golf during his childhood.

Matt is a member at Royal Cinque Ports in Deal playing off a 5 handicap, just a pitching wedge away from his hometown of Dover where he went to school and grew up. He has previously been a member at Etchinghill and Walmer and Kingsdown in Kent.

Having studied history at the University of Liverpool, Matt went on to pass his NCTJ Exams in Manchester a year later to fulfil his lifelong ambition of becoming a journalist. He picked up work experience along the way at places such as the Racing Post, the Independent, Sportsbeat and the Lancashire Evening Post.

Matt joined NCG in February 2023 and is the website’s main source of tour news, features and opinion. He has reported live from events such as the Masters, The Open, the Ryder Cup and The Players Championship, having also interviewed and spoken to many of the biggest names in the sport.

Consuming tour golf on what is a 24/7 basis, you can come to Matt for informed views on the game and the latest updates on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour and LIV Golf.

What’s in Matt’s bag: Cleveland HiBore XL Driver driver, Cobra LTDx 3-wood, Benross BR-Pro irons, Ping Glide 4.0 wedges, Odyssey putter.

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