What Is The History of Nike Golf?

The golf line did not grow as the company focused on other shoe lines and a strategy of hiring company spokespersons with celebrity status, such as Michael Jordan, Alonzo Mourning and others.

The company continued this strategy in 1995 by signing budding superstar Tiger Woods to a 20-year, $40 million endorsement contract even though the company did not have a line of golf equipment or golf balls.

Nike Golf was established in 1998, when Nike was among the top five marketers of golfing apparel. Nike Golf was formed to manufacture and sell golf clubs and balls to cash in on the growing golf market.

The first branded golf balls were sold in 1999, and the first clubs were introduced for sale in 2002. Nike continued its proven strategy of signing tour professionals for endorsements and implementing an aggressive marketing campaign.

In fiscal year 1996, Nike's golf apparel and footwear sales division total sales were approximately $120 million. In comparison, the restructured apparel, footwear, ball and equipment division was worth approximately $500 million 10 years later.