Rory McIlroy puts on a show at Niketown
World No.1 Rory McIlroy put on a show at London's Niketown ahead of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth straight after winning his 11th PGA Tour event
Straight after his record-setting win at the Wells Fargo Championship in North Carolina, Rory McIlroy greeted an energetic crowd at Niketown London. The World’s No. 1 golfer spoke passionately about inspiring a new generation of golf athletes as well as the journey he’s taken to the top of the golf world.
The 26-year-old was joined on stage by footballer-turned-broadcaster Chris Kamara, who fulfilled the role of emcee just days before McIlroy defends his title at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
“Growing up in Northern Ireland, I looked up to Tiger, and I hope I can inspire youngsters in the same way he inspired me,” said McIlroy, alluding to Nike’s Ripple television spot that debuted last month. The spot traces McIlroy’s journey from a young child through his junior years and concludes with he and fellow Nike athlete Tiger Woods teeing it up together at a Tour event.
“Spending time at Niketown London is a great way for me to kick off what will hopefully be a successful week, and it’s great to be a part of Nike bringing golf to life in this space,” McIlroy said, addressing Nike Golf’s now-standard footprint at Niketown London.
Kamara, a former professional footballer with over 600 club appearances to his name, also asked McIlroy to elaborate on the athletic side of golf and his fitness regime.
“I’m always looking to get an edge on my competition, and I definitely feel being in peak physical condition gives me that. I love being in the gym because what I do in there directly contributes to what I can do on the course,” added McIlroy.
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McIlroy gave the fans a glimpse into his game while hitting his Nike clubs into a golf simulator positioned on the ground floor of Niketown London. He hit a variety of shots that he’ll replicate when he tees off on Thursday. Hitting some 300 yard drives for the crowd with his Nike Vapor Pro driver, the four-time Major champion added, “The length of the course this week could favor my game, but ball control is definitely crucial as well.”
Click here for all the latest news on the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.
One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.
Joel's current What's In The Bag?
Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9°
Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15°
Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18°
Irons: Ping i230 4-UW
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind
Putter: Evnroll ER2V
Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x
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