Rory McIlroy: new multi-million dollar sponsorship deal with Swiss watchmakers Omega - who also sponsor George Clooney

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Rory McIlroy: new multi-million dollar sponsorship deal with Swiss watchmakers Omega

CORMAC BYRNE – 08 APRIL 2013

Rory McIlroy has signed a new multi-million dollar sponsorship deal with Swiss watchmakers Omega joining the likes of Nicole Kidman, George Clooney and Daniel Craig as brand ambassadors.

McIlroy signed a $125million deal with Nike in January and announced a deal with Bose and this latest deal is a massive coup for the 23 year old as Omega win the race to adorn the Ulsterman’s wrist.

Stephen Urquhart, the president of OMEGA, is thrilled with the signing. He said: “Rory is one of those golfers who lights up every course he plays on. In recent years, he has been golf’s most exciting player and he has already attracted legions of new fans. He’s the sort of golfer who is good for the sport and for its image. I can hardly wait to see how far his extraordinary talent will take him. We are all delighted that he is now part of the OMEGA family.”

Rory McIlroy is also looking forward to the partnership. He said: “Omega has a rich history in sport, both with the Olympics and in golf, and I have always had great experiences playing in its events. I have been a fan of the brand for a long time so to now be an Omega ambassador is special for me. I am truly excited about this new partnership and look forward to many great years together.

“It’s a brilliant fit for me, as they don’t endorse too many and if you look at who they do – George Clooney, Nicole Kidman, Michael Phelps, Greg Norman – you will see the calibre.

Omega is a great brand that is heavily involved in sports and in golf and stretches out to all parts of the globe.

“I’m excited, but be honest, I’ve announced three deals this year – Nike, Bose, Omega – and I’d like to cool if off a little bit now. It’s like ‘hey, let’s calm it down a while’.”

McIlroy admits that there are no further planned sponsorship announcements on the horizon.

“Obviously I’m lucky the position I’m in – I get companies approaching me,” he said. “There are so many we have to say no to, because we can’t go around having 25 sponsors – it just doesn’t work. Not with all the commitments.

“It’s up to me, adding up how many days my current sponsors are looking for. So Nike wants X amount of days, Bose want this, Santander this, Omega this. So that makes up to, say 15 days. Well, that’s 15 days when I can’t do what I actually did to get me here – practise.”

Omega have previously used major up and coming sports people in their ad campaigns including Russian tennis sensation Anna Kournikova.