One of the first big names has left Nike for a smaller golf brand as Jason Day could be the first of many dominos to fall.
The New Year has already brought in a change for former world No. 1 Jason Day.
Day has worn Nike for the past seven years, but he is no longer an ambassador for the iconic brand. The last time he donned a swoosh on his body in a professional atmosphere was at the Grant Thornton Invitational when Day won with Lydia Ko.
When he arrived at Kapalua for the Sentry Tournament of Champions, the Aussie was in all Malbon Golf clothing. The brand launched in 2017 in the luxury golf apparel sector and has been climbing the ladder since.
Day broke the news to the public Tuesday morning of the official move.
It’s a new Day. Excited to be joining #teammalbon @MalbonGolf pic.twitter.com/TX0T5CVD3J
— Jason Day (@JDayGolf) January 2, 2024
Could this be the first domino to fall for Nike as a golf company?
Rumors surged at the end of 2023 around Tiger Woods leaving the brand. He gave a cryptic answer about his relationship at the PNC Championship but never confirmed anything.
It also sparked discussions that the brand was leaving golf altogether. With Day’s departure becoming public, that only adds fuel to the fire. This move isn’t the first time a smaller luxury brand has landed a big name. Justin Thomas went to Greyson Clothier after he and Ralph Lauren ended their relationship.
Travis Mathews is another company that has ascended in golf. They snagged reigning Masters champion turned LIV Golf player Jon Rahm to their ambassador program. However, Nike has been a staple in this sport for a long time.
Seeing Day leave makes the realization that the brand is taking a back seat in the golf realm all that more real.
Please Welcome Jason Day to #TeamMalbon@JDayGolf pic.twitter.com/ZKEirWhvmg
— Malbon Golf (@MalbonGolf) January 2, 2024
The reactions to this news were hot and cold. Those who like the Malbon brand were excited, and then there were the people who just wanted to crack jokes.
Jason Day about to look even more fresh than he already does. Can’t wait to see his looks
— Teezy (@TE3ZY12) January 2, 2024
Please get him some gear that people might want to buy and lose the silly shoes now
— metaverse (@badfullback) January 2, 2024
What are THOSE?! pic.twitter.com/irp7W4qRqs
— Tyler Tamboline (@ToeTagginTambo) January 2, 2024
Pic 3 is every dad in 1990 who had a tee time at 8am and little league third base coaching duties at 2pm
— Mick Adams (@MickAdamsMA) January 2, 2024
Those sleeves are giving big mid 2000s vibes
— PB (@PB_MKE) January 1, 2024
Regardless of whether people liked the change or not, it has happened. Nike has lost its first big name in the golf world, and Day could be the first of many. These players are taking the “new year, new me” mantra and turning it into “new year, new gear.”
Who will be next to make an apparel move?
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, be sure to follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.
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