Rory Mcllroy Loses Jumeirah Group Sponsorship

Jumeirah Group has revealed it will not renew it’s five-year partnership with Rory Mcllroy paving the way for the world No 1 to potentially join sports clothing giants, Nike.

The global luxury hotel company based in the United Arab Emirates signed up McIlroy when he was 18, becoming one of his first corporate sponsors.

McIlroy has also lost the support of Titleist who decided against renewing their deal for 2013 which has increased the rumours the Northern Irishman will join Nike in a deal worth $20million (£12.4m) per year.

That would give Nike two of golf’s biggest stars as the multinational sportswear manufacturer has been backing Tiger Woods since he turned professional in 1996.

“We are extremely proud of Rory’s rise to the No 1 spot with Jumeirah as his principal sponsor since he turned professional. We are delighted with his consistent support of Jumeirah hotels and resorts around the world,” said Jumeirah Group president and CEO Gerald Lawless.

McIlroy said: “Jumeirah became my first corporate sponsor when I turned professional back in 2007, and I would like to thank everyone at the company for their support in helping me become the player I am today.

“I have enjoyed five very exciting and successful years with Jumeirah and will always have great memories of my time with the company. Celebrating my first professional win at the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic with the Jumeirah team was a particular highlight.”