How Nike Worked with Rory to Develop 2016 Products
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How Nike Worked with Rory to Develop 2016 Products

How Nike Worked with Rory to Develop 2016 Products

Nike Golf released a new video/story yesterday that briefly details the close collaboration between Rory McIlroy and Nike’s R&D Teams on the development of Vapor Fly Pro Driver and the new RZN Plantinum ball.

Apart from being a decent enough video, there are a few things I think are worth highlighting:

  • From what I’ve seen, nobody works more closely with their athletes during the design process than Nike. The company’s top tier athletes are involved every step of the way. That doesn’t necessarily mean everything makes it into the bag. That approach can also have performance consequences for the average golfer. As you might imagine, a driver optimized for Rory may not be ideal for the average golfer.
  • The video highlights Nike’s athlete drive approach to products. Everything starts with the athlete, products become part of the story.
  • Nike Golf, while off the script of the last several years, is holding to its pattern when it comes to promotion. My view is that the company is traditionally very strong from November through February or March, but by the time summer rolls around things tend to quiet down on the marketing front. I suspect that may change this year.

What do you think of what you’ve seen from Nike in 2016? Do these type of video stories increase your interest level in Nike Golf products?

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Tony Covey

Tony Covey

Tony Covey

Tony is the Editor of MyGolfSpy where his job is to bring fresh and innovative content to the site. In addition to his editorial responsibilities, he was instrumental in developing MyGolfSpy's data-driven testing methodologies and continues to sift through our data to find the insights that can help improve your game. Tony believes that golfers deserve to know what's real and what's not, and that means MyGolfSpy's equipment coverage must extend beyond the so-called facts as dictated by the same companies that created them. Most of all Tony believes in performance over hype and #PowerToThePlayer.

Tony Covey

Tony Covey

Tony Covey





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      mike

      8 years ago

      I have seen the new nike woods in person – the pictures do not reveal how absolutely cool they look in person. They are REALLY NICE.

      and yes – the video does pique my interest to try the driver and ball together.

      I am already a big fan of the RZN, especially the platinum

      Reply

      Dean Dodge

      8 years ago

      Nike is a clothing company first, then equipment. From head to toe, that is how they make their money. Then footballs, hockey sticks, golf clubs, etc. not the other way around. Next time you are out in the street, on the course, in a stadium, take a look around and see for yourself.

      Reply

      David West

      8 years ago

      Meh, just more marketing…

      Reply

      McaseyM

      8 years ago

      Since Rory has one of the most fluid and sweetest swings, makes sense. Nike is very athlete driven, so using their best to help with the design is smart.
      As they said, Rory’s driver most likely work for us, but if it’s adjustable, it might come close, plus their’s the segment that will buy what it’s their favorite players’ bag.
      As for the color, why not? yeah the blue and yellow are bright and non-traditional, but Cobra’s been going on their own with color ( calmed it down well after the orange explosion with the AMP releases). Nike is going after the younger generation, and I personally like color in my golf game.

      Reply

      Daniel Dal Poggetto

      8 years ago

      Very cool process!

      Reply

      Roy F. Peña

      8 years ago

      He he he. I wish, Chief!

      Reply

      Mark Boren

      8 years ago

      This is good!

      Reply

      Theoo

      8 years ago

      So what’s wrong with the vapor pro irons since they’re not in the bag?

      Reply

      Tony Covey

      8 years ago

      Never heard the absolute answer from Nike, but was suggested that much like Jordan Spieth with the new AP2s it was a matter of turf interaction/sole grind with the new model. Mike T. will keep grinding away (literally) for Rors, and I think he’ll eventually get the new stuff in the bag.

      Quick footnote – other than the work the Tour Department does on the sole grinds, Rory’s stuff is 100% stock, same as you’d buy in the stores.

      Reply

      Theoo

      8 years ago

      Interesting, I wonder if Nike hates that they’re not in the bag or happy because they have him around to help make future products better.

      Duncan Castles

      8 years ago

      “Other than the work the Tour Department does on the sole grinds, Rory’s stuff is 100% stock, same as you’d buy in the stores.”
      And apart from the higher-quality shafts, the precisely custom-fit lengths, lies and weightings, and the consistency of build through the set. Apart from that 100% stock…

      billm311

      8 years ago

      Go get fit by a skilled builder. You too can have high quality shafts with custom fit lengths, lies, weights, and lofts. I took stock blades and had them reshafted and tweeked. Made a huge difference.

      Taylor

      8 years ago

      Interesting. I also admire Nike’s athlete drive approach to products especially for golf products. I wonder what are your views on golf gps devices?

      Reply

      Teaj

      8 years ago

      I’m with David on this one not sure the Blue really speaks to me but I used the Nike ball last year and found that it performed well.

      Reply

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